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AI, Growth, and the Future of Healthcare | Anish Acharya & Sachin Jain

AI, Growth, and the Future of Healthcare | Anish Acharya & Sachin Jain

Ever wonder if AI is just a fancy productivity boost or something that could fundamentally change healthcare? Well, according to Anish Acharya and Sachin Jain speaking with a16z, AI isn’t just a tool — it's a game-changer. Acharya points out that AI can perform work on behalf of organizations, reshaping how we do everything from customer support to medical diagnostics. The real shift, they say, is how large companies need curiosity, experimentation, and boldness to stay ahead during this tech revolution. Jain highlights that AI promises not only cost reductions but also breakthroughs in patient care — making healthcare more accessible and personalized. But here’s the thing — adapting isn’t just about technology; it’s about mindset. Content+a16zpodcast@a16z.com emphasizes that organizations that embrace experimentation now will lead the future. So, the question isn’t just if AI will change healthcare — it’s who will lead that change first.

Only Variety Beats Variety

Only Variety Beats Variety

Imagine trying to fly a Boeing 737 with the controls of a child's tricycle — that’s the disconnect most companies face when managing complexity. According to Mike Fisher, the core issue is rooted in W. Ross Ashby’s Law of Requisite Variety, which states that only a system with enough internal variety can handle its environment's challenges. So what does this mean? Simply put — if your environment throws a thousand problems, your organization needs at least a thousand ways to respond. Fisher highlights Zhang Ruimin’s radical move at Haier: he replaced layers of middle management with thousands of tiny, self-managing teams. This shift increased the company’s ability to sense and respond to market signals, fueling rapid growth even during a pandemic. The lesson? You don’t need a hammer to fix your organization. Instead, ask yourself — does your internal variety match the chaos outside? Because if it doesn’t, no amount of control will save you.

Fish food for thought

Most Package Hacks Get in the Same Way: How I Block Common Entry Points

Most Package Hacks Get in the Same Way: How I Block Common Entry Points

Ever wonder how package hacks find their way in? Most attacks follow a common pattern: malicious code sneaks in, scans your device for sensitive data, and then sends it out. Teresa Torres, writing in Business, explains that by understanding these entry points, you can block them effectively. She highlights that most malware relies on exploiting dependencies — packages pulled in automatically through registries like npm or PyPI. Her key strategy? Limit what gets onto your device. Torres shares that she installs only packages older than a week, avoids auto-running scripts, and uses provenance signals to spot red flags. She also blocks 'exotic' dependencies that seem suspicious. ((slower)) Most importantly, she configures her tools — like Claude — to follow these same safeguards. And she plans to keep refining her approach with regular audits and version pinning. The message? Securing your code isn’t just about one fix — it’s a layered, ongoing process. That shift is subtle now, but it’s exactly the kind of signal that usually shapes the next security cycle.

Return on Tokens (ROT)

Return on Tokens (ROT)

Imagine a world where companies pour endless tokens into AI projects, chasing badges for token spending instead of real value. Packy McCormick highlights how this ‘tokenmaxxing’ craze — where organizations think more spending equals more success — has become a costly distraction. According to Markie Wagner, this isn’t the endgame; it’s just noise. She points out that companies like KPMG threw vast sums at AI tools, rewarding token use rather than meaningful results. But here’s the thing — spending more tokens doesn’t automatically mean better outcomes. Packy notes that true progress comes from focusing on discovery, not just throwing tokens at the problem. The key isn’t more spending but smarter evolution — building software that truly improves how businesses work over time. So, what does this mean for you? Watch for signals that smarter, more strategic AI investments are replacing token-chasing hype. That shift — subtle now — may just set the stage for the next wave of real innovation.

Not boring by packy mccormick

Fable 5, Anthropic Alignment, AI Tiers

Fable 5, Anthropic Alignment, AI Tiers

Ever wonder what happens when an AI gets so good, it starts to reveal uncomfortable truths about its own alignment? That’s the core of Ben Thompson’s take on Fable 5, the latest version of Anthropic’s AI, which he points out sets some pretty troubling precedents. Unlike earlier models, Fable 5 is designed to be more transparent — but here’s where it gets tricky. Thompson notes that while it's more capable, it also exposes gaps in how we understand AI ‘alignment’ — the idea of making sure AI’s goals match ours. According to him, Fable 5’s openness might seem like a win, but it could also lead to unintended consequences, especially if AI begins revealing its own 'beliefs' or biases in ways we can't control. This raises a bigger question: are we truly ready for AI that’s more honest but harder to tame? As Thompson warns, the real challenge isn’t just building smarter AI, but figuring out how to keep up as it becomes more aware of its own nature.

Feed: » stratechery by ben thompson

Brutally honest guide to not losing money in the market

Brutally honest guide to not losing money in the market

Here's something that might blow your mind — most investors lose money not because of market crashes, but because of their own behavior. According to My First Million, the real danger isn’t the market dropping; it’s panic selling and chasing hot stocks. Barry Ritholtz, a legendary fund manager, points out that many folks get caught up in emotional swings — selling during downturns or overtrading in hope of quick wins. But here’s where it gets interesting: he says that bubbles, surprisingly, can actually help the economy grow because they attract new money and innovation. So what does this mean for you? The biggest risk isn’t the market itself — it's your reactions. Staying calm, avoiding impulsive moves, and understanding that most ‘hot’ investments are often garbage, as Ritholtz notes, can save you a fortune in the long run. If this pattern holds, the smartest investors will be those who learn to ignore noise and focus on consistent, disciplined strategies — because in the end, your behavior is your greatest asset or your worst enemy.

GM Energy introduces V2G support and new energy storage battery chemistry

GM Energy introduces V2G support and new energy storage battery chemistry

Imagine plugging your EV into the grid and not just charging it, but actually sending power back — GM’s making that possible with its new V2G support. Roberto Baldwin from Tech reports that GM Energy is rolling out bidirectional charging, which means your car can help balance the grid during peak times. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — GM is partnering with utilities like PG&E and DTE Energy to make this a reality. On top of that, they’re introducing a new type of energy storage: sodium-ion batteries, specially designed for the grid, with Peak Energy leading the development. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about easing the strain on our electric infrastructure, especially as AI and data centers ramp up demand. According to Baldwin, GM’s move signals a shift toward smarter, more integrated energy solutions that could reshape how we think about EVs and energy storage. And get this — these innovations might be just the beginning of a more resilient, sustainable grid in the near future.

Racist comments targeting politicians tripled since Meta relaxed its rules

Racist comments targeting politicians tripled since Meta relaxed its rules

Imagine checking your social feed and seeing a spike in racist comments aimed at politicians — turns out, it’s no coincidence. Last year, Meta decided to loosen its rules on speech, claiming they’d been over-policing political debate. But here’s the twist — according to David Gilbert writing in wired.com, new research from the Center for Countering Digital Hate shows that racist and abusive comments tripled within six months of those rule changes. Not just that — violent threats and hate speech quadrupled, too. It’s a stark reminder of how relaxing moderation can unleash a flood of harmful content, especially when it targets public figures. And get this — these increases aren’t limited to one side of the aisle. Researchers found both Republican and Democrat lawmakers are affected. As Gilbert reports, the impact was immediate, and the numbers don’t lie. So what does this mean for social media and political discourse? Well, it’s a clear warning — sometimes, loosening restrictions might do more harm than good. The question now is, how will platforms balance free speech with safety in this new landscape?

To study how chips really work, MIT researchers built their own operating system

To study how chips really work, MIT researchers built their own operating system

Here’s something that’ll blow your mind — MIT researchers built their own operating system to finally see inside chips at a level that was impossible before. Unlike standard OSes that get in the way with all their background noise, this new system called Fractal boots directly on hardware, giving scientists a crystal-clear view of what’s happening inside a processor. According to Rachel Gordon at MIT CSAIL, this approach lets researchers measure and understand complex behaviors — like how branch predictors or speculative attacks work — without interference. In fact, using Fractal, MIT found that Apple’s M1 chip isn’t as isolated as it claims. It turns out, side channels can still peek into caches across privilege boundaries, and Apple Silicon even exhibits Phantom speculation — something previously seen only on Intel and AMD. That’s huge, because it means the hardware’s security assumptions might need a rethink, as Rachel Gordon reports. And the best part? MIT’s goal is to make Fractal the standard tool for chip research, helping the whole community get more reliable, precise results — a real game-changer for hardware security and design.

The 2026 Honda Prelude review: Didn't expect such a head-turner

The 2026 Honda Prelude review: Didn't expect such a head-turner

Here’s something that caught my attention — Honda’s 2026 Prelude isn’t trying to be a supercar, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. Jonathan M. Gitlin from Ars Technica points out that Honda never really marketed the Prelude as a sports car, and this new version keeps that tradition alive. It’s more of a stylish, affordable coupe that packs some clever tech, like Honda’s S+ shift hybrid system, adding a bit of spice without the high price tag. Now, here’s where it gets interesting — despite specs that seem underwhelming compared to rivals like the Mazda MX-5 or Subaru BRZ, the Prelude feels like one of the most fun cars you could drive this year. As Gitlin notes, it’s a tech showcase first, with features that push Honda’s engineering boundaries. So what does this actually mean for you? Sometimes, the best cars aren’t about the raw numbers — they’re about style, innovation, and making a statement without breaking the bank. The takeaway? Boldness doesn’t have to shout; it can quietly turn heads.

Valve kills its retail gift card program due to scammers

Valve kills its retail gift card program due to scammers

Here's something that might surprise you — Valve is killing off its retail gift card program. According to Kyle Orland writing in Ars Technica, the company’s been battling scammers for years. These scammers tell victims to buy gift cards and then share the PINs, which they resell on shady gray-market sites. It’s an anonymous, nearly untraceable way to launder money, making it a nightmare for Valve to control. The company has tried to put limits on redemption and added warning labels, but it’s not enough. So now, Valve is phasing out physical Steam gift cards altogether, citing the ongoing scam threat. As Orland reports, it’s a clear sign that scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and companies have to adapt fast — or face losing trust altogether. So what does this mean for you? If you’ve bought one of these cards before, it’s probably best to switch to digital methods. The takeaway? In the world of online payments, the scammers are always one step ahead, and companies are finally admitting it’s easier to kill the program than keep fighting a losing battle.

OB-GYNs release their own vaccine schedule, rejecting RFK Jr.'s meddling

OB-GYNs release their own vaccine schedule, rejecting RFK Jr.'s meddling

Here's something that might surprise you — obstetricians are now releasing their own vaccine schedule, diverging from the CDC’s guidance. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a direct challenge to federal recommendations, all amid a climate of rising vaccine misinformation, as Beth Mole reports for Technology. The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists (ACOG) says their new guidance is based on the latest evidence, aiming to cut through the confusion caused by conflicting messages from the government and anti-vaccine voices. Camille Clare, ACOG’s president, emphasizes the importance of trusted, reliable info — especially for pregnant women navigating a sea of misinformation. But here’s where it gets interesting — this split could deepen the divide between medical authorities and government agencies, especially with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. meddling in the conversation, according to Beth Mole. So what does this mean for the future? If this trend continues, healthcare providers might start making decisions based on their own evidence, not just federal guidelines — potentially reshaping how vaccines are viewed during pregnancy.