The discourse around AI has become rather heated lately, particularly regarding claims of novel discoveries made by large language models. Reading through various online discussions, I’m struck by the polarized reactions whenever someone suggests AI might be capable of meaningful academic contributions.

Looking beyond the usual Twitter hype cycles that plague tech discussions, there’s something genuinely intriguing about the recent reports of professors finding potentially novel results in economics and computer science through AI assistance. While the specific discoveries remain unverified, the mere possibility warrants serious consideration.

Looking at the recent news about Intel receiving nearly $8 billion in CHIPS Act funding, my thoughts drift to the fascinating paradox of modern corporate innovation. The figure is staggering – enough to build several world-class hospitals or fund countless research projects. Yet here we are, pouring it into semiconductor manufacturing.

The decision makes perfect sense from a national security perspective. Having worked in tech for over two decades, I’ve watched with growing concern as semiconductor manufacturing gradually shifted overseas. Sitting in my home office, surrounded by devices that all rely on these tiny chips, it’s sobering to realize how dependent we’ve become on foreign supply chains.