TECHNOLOGY
A. I. Coding to the Rescue
USAThu May 15 2025
DeepMind has a new tool that could change the game in math and science. This tool is called AlphaEvolve. It is a type of artificial intelligence that can create new algorithms. Algorithms are like recipes for computers. They tell computers what to do. AlphaEvolve is based on something called Gemini. Gemini is a large language model. This means it can understand and generate human language. But AlphaEvolve does more than just talk. It can also create and improve algorithms. This is a big deal because algorithms are used in all sorts of important fields, like math and science.
AlphaEvolve works by using an evolutionary approach. This means it starts with a bunch of possible solutions to a problem. Then it tests them out and keeps the best ones. It does this over and over again until it finds the best solution. This is similar to how evolution works in nature. The fittest survive and pass on their traits. In this case, the best algorithms survive and are improved upon.
AlphaEvolve is different from other AI systems because it is not limited to one area of knowledge. For example, AlphaFold is another AI system from DeepMind. It is really good at predicting the shape of proteins. But it can't do much else. AlphaEvolve, on the other hand, can be used in any programming or algorithmic problem. This makes it a very versatile tool.
DeepMind has already started using AlphaEvolve in its own business. And so far, the results have been positive. This is a good sign that AlphaEvolve could be a useful tool for researchers in the future. But it's important to remember that AI is not perfect. It can still make mistakes. For example, there is a risk of hallucination. This is when the AI makes up details that aren't true. So, while AlphaEvolve is a promising tool, it's not a magic solution.
AlphaEvolve uses two different versions of Gemini. There is Gemini Flash, which is faster but less detailed. And there is Gemini Pro, which is more detailed but slower. AlphaEvolve uses both of these versions to generate and analyze possible solutions. This helps it to find the best solution more quickly and accurately.
AlphaEvolve is a step forward in the world of AI. It shows that AI can be used to solve complex problems in math and science. But it also shows that there is still a lot of work to be done. AI is a powerful tool, but it's not perfect. It's important to keep this in mind as we continue to develop and use AI in the future.
continue reading...
questions
What measures are in place to ensure that AlphaEvolve's solutions are both innovative and ethical?
How does the automatic evaluation system in AlphaEvolve ensure the accuracy of the solutions it generates?
What happens if AlphaEvolve starts to think it's the boss and gives orders to the researchers?
actions
flag content