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More security flaws found in popular AI chatbots — and they could mean hackers can learn all your secrets

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If a hacker can monitor the internet traffic between their target and the target’s cloud-based AI assistant, they could easily pick up on the conversation. And if that conversation contained sensitive information – that information would end up in the attackers’ hands, as well.

This is according to a new analysis from researchers at the Offensive AI Research Lab from Ben-Gurion University in Israel, who found a way to deploy side channel attacks on targets using all Large Language Model (LLM) assistants, save for Google Gemini. 

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Millions of secrets and auth keys were leaked on GitHub last year

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Millions of secrets and authentication keys were leaked on GitHub in 2023, with the majority of developers not caring to revoke them even after being notified of the mishap, new research has claimed.

A report from GitGuardian, a project that helps developers secure their software development with automated secrets detection and remediation, claims that in 2023, GitHub users accidentally exposed 12.8 million secrets in more than 3 million public repositories. 

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Cracking epigenetic inheritance: Biologists discovered the secrets of how gene traits are passed on

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A research team led by Professor Yuanliang ZHAI at the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) collaborating with Professor Ning GAO and Professor Qing LI from Peking University (PKU), as well as Professor Bik-Kwoon TYE from Cornell University, has recently made a significant breakthrough in understanding how the DNA copying machine helps pass on epigenetic information to maintain gene traits at each cell division. Understanding how this coupled mechanism could lead to new treatments for cancer and other epigenetic diseases by targeting specific changes in gene activity. Their findings have recently been published in Nature.

Background of the Research

Our bodies are composed of many differentiated cell types. Genetic information is stored within our DNA which serves as a blueprint guiding the functions and development of our cells. However, not all parts of our DNA are active at all times. In fact, every cell type in our body contains the same DNA, but only specific portions are active, leading to distinct cellular functions. For example, identical twins share nearly identical genetic material but exhibit variations in physical characteristics, behaviours and disease susceptibility due to the influence of epigenetics. Epigenetics functions as a set of molecular switches that can turn genes on or off without altering the DNA sequence. These switches are influenced by various environmental factors, such as nutrition, stress, lifestyle, and environmental exposures.

In our cells, DNA is organised into chromatin. The nucleosome forms a fundamental repeating unit of chromatin. Each nucleosome consists of approximately 147 base pairs of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer which is composed of two H2A-H2B dimers and one H3-H4 tetramer. During DNA replication, parental nucleosomes carrying the epigenetic tags, also known as histone modifications, are dismantled and recycled, ensuring the accurate transfer of epigenetic information to new cells during cell division. Errors in this process can alter the epigenetic landscape, gene expression and cell identity, with potential implications for cancer and ageing. Despite extensive research, the molecular mechanism by which epigenetic information is passed down through the DNA copying machine, called the replisome, remains unclear. This knowledge gap is primarily due to the absence of detailed structures that capture the replisome in action when transferring parental histones with epigenetic tags. Studying the process is challenging because of the fast-paced nature of chromatin replication, as it involves rapid disruption and restoration of nucleosomes to keep up with the swift DNA synthesis.

In previous studies, the research team made significant progress in understanding the DNA copying mechanism, including determining the structures of various replication complexes. These findings laid a solid foundation for the current research on the dynamic process of chromatin duplication.

Summary of Research Findings

This time, the team achieved another breakthrough by successfully capturing a key snapshot of parental histone transfer at the replication fork. They purified endogenous replisome complexes from early-S-phase yeast cells on a large scale and utilised cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for visualisation.

They found that a chaperone complex FACT (consisting of Spt16 and Pob3) interacts with parental histones at the front of the replisome during the replication process. Notably, they observed that Spt16, a component of FACT, captures the histones that have been completely stripped off the duplex DNA from the parental nucleosome. The evicted histones are preserved as a hexamer, with one H2A-H2B dimer missing. Another protein that involved in DNA replication, Mcm2, takes the place of the missing H2A-H2B dimer on the vacant site of the parental histones, placing the FACT-histone complex onto the front bumper of the replisome engine, called Tof1. This strategic positioning of histone hexamer on Tof1 by Mcm2 facilitates the subsequent transfer of parental histones to the newly synthesised DNA strands. These findings provide crucial insights into the mechanism that regulates parental histone recycling by the replisome to ensure the faithful propagation of epigenetic information at each cell division.

This study, led by Professor Zhai, involved a collaborative effort that spanned nearly eight years, starting at HKUST and concluding at HKU. He expressed his excitement about the findings, ‘It only took us less than four months from submission to Nature magazine to the acceptance of our manuscript. The results are incredibly beautiful. Our cryo-EM structures offer the first visual glimpse into how the DNA copying machine and FACT collaborate to transfer parental histone at the replication fork during DNA replication. This knowledge is crucial for elucidating how epigenetic information is faithfully maintained and passed on to subsequent generations. But, there is still much to learn. As we venture into uncharted territory, each new development in this field will represent a big step forward for the study of epigenetic inheritance.’

The implications of this research extend beyond understanding epigenetic inheritance. Scientists can now explore gene expression regulation, development, and disease with greater depth. Moreover, this breakthrough opens up possibilities for targeted therapeutic interventions and innovative strategies to modulate epigenetic modifications for cancer treatment. As the scientific community delves deeper into the world of epigenetics, this study represents a major step towards unravelling the complexities of replication-coupled histone recycling.

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Unlocking the Secrets to Crafting Awesome Google Bard Prompts

Google Bard

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, Google Bard stands out as a tool designed to enhance your digital interactions through intelligent prompt generation. If you’re keen on making the most out of this innovative platform, you’re in the right place. This guide will guide you through the nuances of generating prompts that not only resonate with the AI’s capabilities but also elevate your experience to new heights.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental aspects of Google Bard. At its core, this tool is about creating a bridge between your thoughts and the AI’s potential to generate meaningful and contextually relevant responses. The key lies in how you craft your prompts. With a blend of precision and creativity, you can unlock responses that are both insightful and engaging.

The Art of Prompt Crafting

Creating the perfect prompt involves a blend of clarity, context, and creativity. Here’s how you can achieve this:

  1. Be Specific in Your Requests: Precision is your ally. The more detailed your prompt, the more accurately Google Bard can tailor its response to meet your expectations. Instead of saying “Tell me about space,” try “Explain the significance of the Apollo 11 mission.”
  2. Provide Context: Context acts as a guide for the AI, helping it understand the depth and direction of your inquiry. By incorporating background information or specifying the angle of interest, you encourage a more targeted and relevant output.
  3. Embrace Creativity: Don’t shy away from experimenting with your prompts. Bard thrives on creativity, and unique inquiries can lead to surprisingly delightful responses. Whether it’s asking for a poem in the style of a 19th-century poet or seeking advice on conceptual art techniques, the sky’s the limit.
  4. Balance Complexity and Readability: While it’s tempting to craft highly complex prompts, remember the value of readability. A well-structured, clear question is more likely to yield an equally clear answer.
  5. Utilize Neutral Language: To maintain an unbiased perspective, it’s crucial to use neutral language. This ensures that the responses remain informative and objective, providing you with a pure insight into the topic at hand.

Fine-Tuning Your Approach

As you become more familiar with Google Bard, you’ll discover that fine-tuning your prompts can significantly enhance the quality of interactions. Consider the following tips to refine your approach:

  • Experiment with Different Prompt Styles: Don’t be afraid to vary your prompt styles. This can range from direct questions to creative challenges, each offering a different type of response and insight.
  • Analyze Responses for Improvement: By reviewing the AI’s responses, you can identify patterns or areas where adjusting your prompt could lead to better outcomes. This iterative process is key to mastering prompt crafting.
  • Stay Updated on Features: Google Bard is continually evolving, with new features and capabilities being added. Staying informed about these updates can open up new avenues for engaging with the tool.

Guiding Your Journey with Confidence

You will be pleased to know that generating awesome Google Bard prompts is a skill that can be honed with practice and patience. If you are wondering how to start or improve, the guidelines provided here serve as a beacon, illuminating the path to engaging and productive interactions with Google Bard.

Remember, the essence of creating effective prompts lies in understanding the balance between the technicalities of the tool and the creativity of human inquiry. By nurturing this balance, you unlock the full potential of Google Bard, transforming routine queries into a canvas of exploration and discovery.

As you embark on this journey, let your curiosity lead the way, and don’t hesitate to push the boundaries of conventional prompt crafting. The adventure of uncovering the myriad possibilities with Google Bard is just beginning, and with each prompt, you’re not just seeking answers but also shaping the future of AI interaction.

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Unlocking the Secrets of ChatGPT

Secrets of ChatGPT

This guide is designed to show you how to unlock the secrets of ChatGPT. Do you find yourself intrigued by the possibilities that lie within ChatGPT, eagerly looking to delve deeper into the capabilities of this cutting-edge AI tool? It’s exciting to realize that becoming proficient in ChatGPT extends far beyond grasping its fundamental operations. What truly unlocks its full potential is the exploration of a diverse array of strategies and methodologies that can substantially elevate the quality and scope of your interactions with the AI.

This guide, crafted with insights from an adept ChatGPT user, aims to transform the way you engage with this tool. Whether your interest lies in enhancing your learning process, streamlining task management, or enriching your creative projects, the guide offers a wealth of knowledge and tips to maximize the effectiveness of ChatGPT. By delving into these lesser-known aspects and functionalities, you can uncover new ways to harness the power of ChatGPT, turning it into an indispensable ally in your professional and personal pursuits.

Master the Art of Follow-Up Prompting

Follow-up prompting is more than just a conversation extension with ChatGPT. It’s about deepening your understanding, retaining more information, and exploring different perspectives on a topic. By skillfully crafting follow-up questions, you can steer the conversation to cover more ground and gain more insightful responses.

Custom Instructions: Tailoring Responses to Your Needs

Custom instructions are a game-changer in personalizing ChatGPT’s outputs. By tweaking the AI’s persona and response style, you can make it more suitable for specific professional roles or tasks. This customization makes ChatGPT an adaptable tool for a wide array of applications.

Output Formatting: Structuring Responses for Clarity

The way you request information matters. Specifying output formats like headings, bullet points, or tables can make ChatGPT’s responses more organized and actionable. This structured approach to information retrieval is especially helpful for data analysis, report writing, and presentations.

Utilizing Plugins for Enhanced Capabilities

ChatGPT’s functionality extends beyond its core features through plugins. Integrating tools like AI diagrams, Planfit, and Wolfram can significantly enhance its capabilities in visual representation, fitness planning, and accessing real-time data. These add-ons make ChatGPT a more powerful and versatile assistant.

Simplifying Complex Concepts with Analogies

If you are wondering how to grasp complex topics easily, ask ChatGPT to create analogies. This approach helps in better understanding and remembering challenging concepts, making learning more effective and enjoyable.

6. Leveraging Generated Knowledge in Practical Applications

ChatGPT’s ability to provide detailed information can be a springboard for other tasks. For example, you can use the facts provided by ChatGPT to create a comprehensive slideshow, enriching your presentations with accurate and relevant content.

Implementing Problem-Solving Paradigms

ChatGPT can assist in systematic problem-solving by employing pre-developed paradigms or helping to create custom ones. This strategy enables a more structured approach to tackling challenges, making problem-solving more efficient.

Enhancing Contextual Understanding with Photos

Utilizing images in prompts can significantly improve ChatGPT’s understanding of context, leading to more accurate and relevant responses. This feature is particularly useful in visual arts, design, and other fields where visual cues are essential.

Demystifying Complexities with Simple Explanations

Sometimes, the simplest explanations are the most effective. Asking ChatGPT to break down complex concepts into simpler terms or explain them ‘to a child’ can make comprehension easier, especially for those new to a subject.

Combining Features for a Comprehensive Experience

For an enhanced experience, try combining various features and techniques. Using custom instructions along with plugins, or mixing different output formats, can result in a more powerful and tailored ChatGPT interaction.

By exploring these techniques, you can unlock the full potential of ChatGPT in various aspects of your life and work. Whether it’s for learning, task automation, or creative projects, these strategies will help you use ChatGPT more effectively and efficiently.

Remember, the key to maximizing your experience with ChatGPT lies in experimentation and adaptation. The more you play with different features and approaches, the more you’ll discover how ChatGPT can fit into and enhance your daily routine.

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