Meta has launched Meta AI across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, offering text and image generation capabilities. Ryan Cairns, VP of Engineering at Meta, highlighted the advantages of Meta AI over competitors like Gemini, ChatGPT, and Copilot..
Meta has introduced its AI personal assistant, Meta AI, across WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram. This new feature offers text and image generation capabilities designed to enhance productivity, efficiency, and creativity.
### User Experience and Use Cases:
During its pilot phase in India, users have leveraged Meta AI for various purposes: - **Information Gathering**: Quick and efficient data retrieval. - **Learning**: Assisting with educational queries and topics. - **Coding Questions**: Providing answers and solutions for coding-related issues. - **Social Media Content Generation**: Creating captions, Instagram threads, and stylized brand logos.
### Seamless Integration:
One of Meta AI's significant advantages is its seamless integration into daily-use platforms without the need for additional app downloads or websites, unlike competitors such as Google’s Gemini, OpenAI’s ChatGPT, or Microsoft Copilot. Ryan Cairns, VP of Engineering at Meta, highlighted this unique benefit during a virtual media briefing.
### Wide Accessibility:
Meta AI is accessible across all Meta apps, regardless of the platform. Users can access it on WhatsApp, whether on Android or iOS, and on the web. Cairns emphasized that Meta’s apps provide the broadest distribution and availability to end users, unlike platform-specific assistants like Google Assistant on Android or Siri on Apple devices.
### Responsible AI Development:
Addressing concerns about using personal data to train AI models, Cairns noted that using public information for training is an industry-wide practice. Meta is committed to building AI responsibly, prioritizing safety and red teaming (testing AI for security vulnerabilities).
### Regular Updates and Improvements:
Meta’s models are updated bi-weekly to incorporate user feedback, prevent misinformation, control hallucinations, and improve accuracy. Cairns acknowledged that while not every answer is perfect, the frequent updates allow Meta to learn, adapt, and enhance the AI’s quality over time.
### Addressing Deepfake Concerns:
To prevent the misuse of image generation capabilities for creating deepfakes, Meta ensures that its images are stylized and not photorealistic. Meta AI does not generate images of public figures or explicit content. Meta also uses "Made with AI" labels on AI-generated video, audio, and images, based on industry-shared signals or self-disclosures by users.
### Conclusion:
Meta AI assistant aims to revolutionize how users interact with their daily-use platforms by integrating advanced AI features seamlessly. With a strong focus on responsible AI development and continuous improvements, Meta is set to enhance user productivity and creativity across its social media ecosystem.
Intermittent fasting is good for weight loss! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a popular eating pattern where individuals cycle between periods of eating and fasting. Unlike traditional diets that focus on what you eat, IF focuses on when you eat. This unique approach has gained widespread popularity for its potential to aid in weight loss and provide numerous health benefits. Let’s explore the different methods, benefits, and potential side effects of intermittent fasting.
### Methods of Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting encompasses various methods, each dictating specific times for eating and fasting. Here are some of the most popular methods:
#### 1. 16/8 Method
One of the most popular IF methods, the 16/8 method involves fasting for 16 hours and eating within an 8-hour window. Typically, this means skipping either breakfast or dinner. A study published in *Cell Metabolism* found that limiting the feeding window to 8 hours can protect against obesity, inflammation, and diabetes.
#### 2. 5:2 Diet
The "fast diet," this method has been shown to aid weight loss and improve metabolic health, according to research published in the *International Journal of Obesity*.
#### 3. Eat-Stop-Eat
It's a more advanced version of IF and can be challenging for beginners but offers significant health benefits.
#### 4. Alternate-Day Fasting
In alternate-day fasting, you fast every other day. On fasting days, you consume very low-calorie intake or no food at all. A study in the *Nutrition Journal* found that alternate-day fasting can help with weight loss and promote heart health.
#### 5. The Warrior Diet
Intermittent fasting is one of the most popular diets. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
The warrior diet is an extreme form of IF where you eat small amounts of raw fruits and vegetables during the day and consume one large meal at night, within a 4-hour eating window. This method is suitable for those who have experience with other forms of IF. It emphasizes consuming plenty of vegetables, proteins, and healthy fats.
Each of these methods offers flexibility, allowing you to choose the approach that best suits your lifestyle and health goals.
### Benefits of Intermittent Fasting
1. **Improved Metabolic Health**: IF can enhance insulin sensitivity, reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. 2. **Enhanced Brain Function**: Fasting may improve brain health and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. 3. **Reduced Inflammation**: IF can decrease inflammation, which is linked to many chronic diseases. 4. **Heart Health**: IF may improve various heart health markers, including cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
### What to Eat and Avoid
When practicing intermittent fasting, it's important to focus on nutritious foods during your eating windows. Here are some guidelines:
#### Foods to Eat: - Vegetables and fruits - Lean proteins - Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil) - Whole grains - Plenty of water
#### Foods to Avoid: - Sugary snacks and beverages - Refined carbs - Processed foods - Excessive amounts of unhealthy fats
### Potential Side Effects
While intermittent fasting can be beneficial, it's not without potential side effects. Some individuals may experience: - Hunger and cravings - Fatigue and low energy levels - Irritability and mood swings - Digestive issues
It's important to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any fasting regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
## Benefits of Intermittent Fasting: What You Need to Know
### 1. Weight Loss Intermittent fasting (IF) is an effective method for weight loss. A study published in the journal *Nutrients* found that individuals following the 5:2 intermittent fasting method for 12 weeks lost an average of 9% of their body weight. IF helps reduce calorie intake while boosting metabolism, contributing to significant weight loss.
### 2. Promotes Heart Health Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. A study in *The American Journal of Medicine* revealed that intermittent fasting might improve key risk factors for heart disease, including high blood sugar, blood pressure, triglycerides, and bad cholesterol levels.
### 3. Reduces Diabetes Risk Intermittent fasting offers substantial benefits for insulin resistance and blood sugar control. The American Diabetes Association found that IF could improve survival rates and protect against diabetic retinopathy by enhancing insulin sensitivity, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing inflammation.
### 4. May Help Reduce Cancer Risk While intermittent fasting doesn't directly affect cancer growth, it may help control cancer risk. A study in the *European Journal of Public Health* suggested that intermittent fasting might prevent cancer, and research in the *Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research* indicated that fasting might reduce the side effects of chemotherapy.
### 5. Promotes Brain Health Intermittent fasting can reduce oxidative stress, inflammation, blood sugar levels, and insulin resistance, promoting brain health. According to a study in the journal *Brain and Behaviour*, IF may increase the growth of new nerve cells, benefiting brain function.
### 6. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease affects memory, thinking, learning, and organizing skills. While there is no cure, a 2023 review in *Nutrition Reviews* found that intermittent fasting might delay the onset or severity of Alzheimer’s disease.
### 7. Causes Several Beneficial Changes in the Body
Intermittent fasting impacts various body functions, including hormones, cells, and genes: - **Insulin Levels**: Fasting can lower insulin levels, aiding fat burning. - **Cellular Repair**: During fasting, your body initiates cellular repair by removing waste materials from cells. - **Human Growth Hormone (HGH)**: Fasting increases HGH levels, promoting fat burning and muscle gain. - **Genetic Changes**: Fasting may lead to gene changes that enhance longevity and disease protection.
### 8. Simple and Convenient Intermittent fasting is straightforward and convenient since it focuses on when to eat rather than what to eat. It simplifies meal planning by reducing the number of daily meals.
## What to Eat on Intermittent Fasting
You must eat healthy foods if you are doing intermittent fasting. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
While intermittent fasting doesn't prescribe specific foods, it is essential to focus on nutrient-dense options to support overall well-being. Include: - **Whole Grains** - **Lean Proteins** - **Healthy Fats** - **Colorful Fruits and Vegetables**
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid processed foods, refined sugars, sugary beverages, and unhealthy fats.
## Side Effects of Intermittent Fasting:
Despite its benefits, intermittent fasting may have side effects, including: - **Hunger and Cravings** - **Frequent Headaches** - **Digestive Problems** - **Mood Changes** - **Lethargy** - **Bad Breath** - **Sleeping Problems** - **Dehydration** - **Malnutrition**
These side effects are more common in those who fast for extended periods or do not follow the diet properly. Beginners should start with the simplest fasting method and consult a doctor before starting any diet plan.
Intermittent fasting offers a range of health benefits and is relatively easy to follow, making it an attractive option for those looking to improve their health and wellness.
## Benefits of Lassi: Try This Chilled, Refreshing Drink for These 10 Reasons!
Lassi can keep you hydrated during the summer season! Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Lassi is a beloved, refreshing beverage, especially during the scorching summer months. Here’s why you should make lassi your go-to summer drink:
### 1. Hydrates Your Body Staying hydrated is crucial during the hot summer months to prevent dehydration. Lassi is a fantastic option to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, ensuring your body stays adequately hydrated throughout the day.
### 2. Cools Down the Body Lassi, made from yogurt, has natural cooling properties that help you stay refreshed and rejuvenated. Consuming chilled lassi provides instant relief from heat, reduces body temperature, and soothes your digestive tract.
### 3. Boosts Digestion Yogurt, the main ingredient in lassi, is rich in probiotics—beneficial bacteria that promote gut health. Probiotics like Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, reducing the risk of bloating and constipation, and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
### 4. Reduces Blood Pressure Despite the fat content in yogurt, low-fat yogurt-based lassi can improve heart health. The potassium in yogurt helps regulate blood pressure by counteracting the effects of sodium. Additionally, vitamin B12 in lassi helps reduce blood levels of homocysteine, a compound linked to heart attack and stroke risks.
### 5. Aids in Weight Loss Lassi made with low-fat yogurt is nutrient-dense, packed with fiber and protein, and low in calories. It promotes satiety, keeping you full longer and reducing overall calorie intake, aiding in weight loss efforts.
### 6. Strengthens Immunity Rich in probiotics and essential nutrients like calcium, protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamins B12 and D, lassi strengthens the immune system. It helps combat common colds and flu, promotes healthy gut flora, and reduces the risk of infections.
### 7. Improves Bone Health Lassi contains essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D from yogurt and milk, crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Regular consumption of lassi can help prevent osteoporosis and bone fractures, especially in aging adults.
### 8. Promotes Youthful Skin Vitamins and minerals in lassi, like vitamin E and zinc, contribute to skin health. Lassi’s hydrating properties keep the skin moisturized, while probiotics may help alleviate skin conditions like acne and eczema by improving gut health.
### 9. Keeps You Energetic
The natural sugars in yogurt give a quick energy boost, while proteins and fats ensure lasting energy without spikes in blood sugar levels.
### 10. Rich Source of Nutrients Lassi is a nutrient-rich beverage containing essential nutrients such as calcium, fiber, protein, vitamin D, vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin), phosphorus, and potassium. These nutrients are vital for various bodily functions, including muscle growth, nerve function, and energy production.
So, next time the summer heat gets to you, reach for a glass of lassi. It’s not just a drink; it’s your key to a healthy and refreshing summer!.
## How to Prepare Lassi
Lassi is a versatile and delightful drink that can be prepared in two main ways: sweet and salted. Here’s how you can make both variations at home:
### Sweet Lassi
For a refreshing and delightful sweet lassi, follow these steps:
1. **Blend Yogurt:** - Take 1 cup of chilled yogurt and blend it until smooth.
2. **Add Sweeteners:** - Add sugar or honey to taste. You can start with a tablespoon and adjust according to your preference.
3. **Incorporate Milk:** - Pour in about 1/4 cup of milk and blend until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
4. **Enhance Flavor:** - Add a pinch of ground cardamom or a few saffron strands for an exotic flavor.
5. **Garnish:** - Once blended, pour the lassi into a glass and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped nuts or a slice of fresh mango.
6. **Serve:** - Serve chilled and enjoy the tropical goodness!
### Salted Lassi
For a savory and traditional salted lassi, follow this easy recipe:
1. **Whisk Yogurt:** - Whisk 1 cup of chilled yogurt with half a cup of cold water until smooth and frothy.
2. **Add Salt and Cumin:** - Add a pinch of salt and half a teaspoon of roasted cumin powder for flavor.
3. **Optional Mint:** - You can add finely chopped fresh mint leaves for an extra refreshing twist (optional).
4. **Serve:** - Serve chilled. This drink pairs perfectly with spicy meals or as a refreshing standalone beverage on a hot day.
Whether you prefer the sweet or salted version, lassi is a versatile and delicious way to stay refreshed and hydrated. Enjoy the taste and health benefits of this traditional drink!.
A groundbreaking study has unveiled how the human brain processes emotional information related to sustained pain and pleasure. Utilizing functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) and advanced machine learning techniques, researchers have mapped the brain activity patterns associated with these intense emotional experiences. The findings, published in the journal *Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences*, highlight the complex neural mechanisms that underpin our experiences of pain and pleasure.
Functional brain networks that are connected to the affective intensity and valence information. Left: The affective valence information is connected to the limbic and default mode networks, and the affective intensity information is connected to the ventral attention network. Right: The probability that the affective intensity and valence is connected to each of seven functional brain networks. Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
## Functional Brain Networks and Affective Information
### Affective Valence and Intensity The research identified two key types of affective information processed by the brain: valence (the emotional value of an experience, whether positive or negative) and intensity (the strength of the emotional experience). The affective valence information is primarily connected to the limbic and default mode networks, while the affective intensity information is linked to the ventral attention network. These connections provide a detailed map of how different brain regions collaborate to process sustained emotional states.
### Probability of Connection The study also quantified the probability that affective intensity and valence are connected to each of seven functional brain networks. This analysis offers a comprehensive view of how different aspects of emotional experiences are distributed across various brain regions.
## Study Design and Methodology ### Participants and Procedure The experiment was conducted by a team led by Lee Soo Ahn and Woo Choong-Wan at the Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research (CNIR) within the Institute for Basic Science (IBS), in collaboration with Choi Myunghwan at Seoul National University and Tor D. Wager at Dartmouth College. The study involved 58 participants who underwent fMRI scans while experiencing sustained pain and pleasure induced by capsaicin (a component of chili peppers) and chocolate fluids, respectively.
### Fluid Delivery System An MR-compatible fluid delivery system, known as a gustometer, was used to administer the capsaicin and chocolate fluids directly into the participants' mouths. The fluids were delivered twice during the scan, with each capsaicin session lasting 1.5 minutes and each chocolate session lasting 3 minutes. A suction device was employed to remove the fluids after delivery, ensuring a controlled and precise administration process.
### Real-Time Reporting Throughout the experiment, participants continuously reported their moment-by-moment experiences of pleasantness and unpleasantness. This real-time data collection allowed researchers to capture the dynamic nature of emotional experiences as the participants encountered sustained pain and pleasure.
Overview of the fMRI experimentLeft: Fluids were delivered using an MR-compatible fluid delivery system (gustometer) and removed from participants’ mouths during the experiment using a suction device.Middle: Capsaicin or chocolate fluid was delivered twice during the scan, with a duration of 1.5 minutes each for capsaicin fluid and a duration of 3 minutes each for chocolate fluid. The entire run lasted 14.5 minutes.Right: Participants continuously rated pleasantness or unpleasantness (purple: pain, yellow: pleasure) while receiving capsaicin and chocolate (n = 58). Credit: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
## Key Findings
### Brain Activity Patterns Using sophisticated machine learning techniques, the researchers decoded the brain activity patterns that correspond to pleasant and unpleasant emotions, as well as the magnitude of sustained pain and pleasure. This analysis revealed distinct yet interconnected neural pathways for processing pain and pleasure, offering new insights into how these seemingly opposite experiences are managed by the brain.
### Human-Centric Insights While previous studies have identified brain regions responsive to both pain and pleasure, they have largely relied on animal models. This study is significant in that it directly compared the brain representations of pain and pleasure within the same human participants, providing a more nuanced understanding of these complex emotional experiences.
The study's innovative use of fMRI and machine learning has opened new avenues for exploring the neural mechanisms of pain and pleasure. By identifying the specific brain networks involved in processing these emotions, researchers have taken a significant step towards understanding how the brain balances these intense and often conflicting experiences. The findings hold promise for developing targeted interventions to manage pain and enhance pleasure in clinical settings.
## Dynamic Changes in Pain and Pleasure: Insights from Brain Imaging
### Participant Experiences and Data Collection During the experiment, participants' subjective reports of pleasantness and unpleasantness gradually increased and persisted while they were exposed to capsaicin and chocolate fluids. These sensations decreased once the deliveries ended. By inducing these dynamic changes in sustained pain and pleasure, the research team aimed to identify the specific brain regions activated by both experiences.
### Machine Learning and Brain Activity Patterns The team collected brain imaging data alongside moment-by-moment changes in pleasantness or unpleasantness ratings from 58 participants. Utilizing advanced machine learning techniques, they analyzed the brain data and identified a set of brain regions that responded to both sustained pain and pleasure.
### Predictive Models for Affective Experiences Based on the identified brain activity patterns, the researchers developed two predictive models: 1. **Affective Intensity Model:** This model captures the magnitude of affective experiences, whether pleasant or unpleasant. 2. **Affective Valence Model:** This model measures the magnitude of pleasantness or unpleasantness.
These models successfully predicted affective intensity and valence information for both the original 58 participants and an independent test dataset of 61 new individuals.
### Key Brain Regions in Predicting Affective Information Important brain regions involved in predicting affective information related to pleasure and pain were identified. These regions include: - **Affective Intensity:** Ventral anterior insula, right ventral amygdala, and left dorsal amygdala. - **Affective Valence:** Left centromedial amygdala, right superficial amygdala, and ventromedial prefrontal cortex.
The activity patterns predictive of affective intensity and valence were spatially distinguishable, connecting to distinct functional brain networks. This suggests that affective intensity and valence information represent multiple aspects of the brain mechanisms underlying pain-pleasure interactions.
### Implications and Future Research Dr. Woo Choong-Wan, associate director of IBS, highlighted the significance of this research, noting that while there have been separate studies on pain and pleasure, rarely have these experiences been compared within the same individuals.
Lee Soo Ahn, a doctoral candidate and the first author of the study, emphasized the shared underlying emotional information on pleasantness and unpleasantness in both pain and pleasure.
This study provides a comprehensive understanding of how the brain processes sustained pain and pleasure, offering potential pathways for developing targeted interventions for chronic pain and emotional disorders.
