11
« Last post by Chip on August 07, 2025, 08:25:20 AM »
That's excellent news Mr Pooper, that you're mobile again; sadly, I have lost my license for 3 years so I get it so you have more reasons to smile about now. I ran your reply through AI again and this is the reply: 🧪 Ongoing Fentanyl Positives Despite Abstinence – Full Case & Update“I’ve been clean for almost a year, yet my clinic keeps saying I’m positive for fentanyl. Dipsticks and home tests are negative, but the lab says positive. My credibility is being destroyed.”--- 🚨 Summary of the Issue- Stopped using fentanyl and meth in September
- Multiple random fentanyl positives despite months of clean results in between
- Methadone given in dissolvable disc pills, sometimes handled without gloves
- Environmental contamination suspected
- Now a pattern: dipstick test = negative, lab test = positive
--- 📅 Update from Patient“So a little update. I’m STILL getting positives for fentanyl at my methadone clinic. They do a dipstick test before sending the urine sample to the lab. It’s tested NEGATIVE every time with the dipstick test. But once sent to the lab, they are claiming it’s detected POSITIVE for fentanyl.
I’ve even gone as far as to do my own at-home fentanyl urine test, and they test NEGATIVE every time. I even got fentanyl test wipes to test surfaces for fentanyl.
It seems like I’ll get a few dirty tests, then one clean. Few dirty tests, then one clean.
My clinic is flat-out accusing me of using. They claim it’s impossible to have this many false positives. I asked if anyone else was having similar issues — they said no. They occasionally have false positives, but not 5+ like me.
I’m really upset by this. Being accused of using, despite being clean for almost a year, is a horrible feeling. And now with the added urine tests claiming positive drug use, my credibility is shot, and it’s making me untrustworthy.”
--- 🧪 1. Possible Explanations🔹 A. Environmental Contamination Possible, though rare. Fentanyl can transfer via skin oils if staff handle contaminated items and then handle medication. One contaminated pill could cause a positive. 🔹 B. Ultra-Sensitive Lab Testing Labs may use cutoffs as low as 1–2 ng/mL, so even microscopic contamination can trigger a positive. This could explain why dipsticks (less sensitive) are negative but lab results are positive. 🔹 C. Stored in Fat Tissue? Unlikely given the random pattern and long gaps between use and positives. 🔹 D. False Positives at the Lab Uncommon for fentanyl, but possible with lab error, cross-contamination, or issues in sample handling. --- 🧾 2. Steps to Prove Cleanliness✅ A. Request GC/MS or LC-MS/MS Confirmation These tests can: - Differentiate fentanyl from analogues
- Show exact nanogram level
- Confirm if metabolites are present (proves ingestion)
Say: “Can I have every positive urine sample sent for GC/MS confirmation before any action is taken?”✅ B. Independent Testing On the same day as your clinic test: - Do an independent lab urine test
- Do a hair follicle test for 90-day history
✅ C. Document Everything Track: - Every clinic test result
- Every independent test result
- Handling conditions of methadone
✅ D. Evidence of Pill Handling Practices Note glove use, packaging methods, and storage conditions. Consider requesting a change to liquid methadone or blister packs. --- 🛡️ 3. What to Say to the Clinic
“I’ve been clean since September. My clinic dipstick tests are always negative, and my at-home tests are negative, yet the lab reports positives. This suggests there is either contamination or lab error.
I am not accusing anyone of misconduct, but I am asking for GC/MS confirmatory testing on all positives, and I’d like to explore ways to avoid any possible contamination in handling or packaging of my doses.”
--- 👩⚖️ 4. If the Clinic Refuses to Cooperate- File a written request for confirmatory testing
- Contact your state’s Patient Advocate or Ombudsman
- Consider a clinic transfer
--- 🧷 TL;DR Action Plan✅ Request GC/MS confirmation on all positives ✅ Get independent lab + hair tests same day as clinic ✅ Keep detailed documentation log ✅ Request sealed or liquid doses to avoid contamination risk ✅ Stay professional, polite, and persistent --- 💬 Final Note Intermittent positives with all on-site and home tests being negative point toward either environmental contamination or lab processing issues. Without GC/MS confirmation, it’s impossible to know which — but persistence and independent verification can protect your credibility. (AI reply finished)@Mr.pooper, tell them if you were using Fentanyl (and its stored in your fatty tissue for a while) then you'd have ALL tests positive and you'd be in opi withdrawal on the negative days and need more Methadone (which you do not as I assume that you're stable now). Any chance of changing clinics or getting a GC/MS or a hair follicle test ?
12
« Last post by Mr.pooper on August 06, 2025, 11:45:01 PM »
So a little update. Im STILL getting positives for fentanyl at my methadone clinic….they do a dipstick test before sending the urine sample to the lab. Its tested NEGATIVE every time with the dip stick test. But once sent to the lab, they are claiming its detected POSITIVE for fentany.
ive even gone as far to do my own in home fentanyl urine test, and they test NEGATIVE every time. I even got fentanyl test wipes to wipe down things in my environment to test surfaces for fentanyl.
It seems like ill get a few dirty tests. Then one clean. Few dirty tests. Then one clean.
My clinic is flat out just accusing me of using. Claiming it’s impossible to have this many false positives
I asked if anyone else was having similar issues, and they said no. They occasionally have false positives, but not 5+
Im really upset by this. Being accused of using, despite being clean for almost a year is a horrible feeling. And now with the added urine tests claiming positive drug use, my credibility is shot, and making me untrustworthy.
On a positive note, I managed to get my drivers license and purchased a 2016 suv. I had to work hard to get that drivers license too! I had to take the written test and do a on road driving test like when i was a teenager..i never thought id ever legally be able to drive again, or own a car ever again. So im really proud to have ID and a car w/ legal papers. I also just got my new teeth! The dentist instructed me to smile and look at them in a mirror, and I realized i didnt know how to smile anymore. Ive been sad for so long, and on top of missing most my teeth, i never smile anymore. To the point i dont even have the facial muscles to do it anymore.
13
« Last post by smfadmin on August 06, 2025, 03:17:29 PM »
https://www.wired.com/story/psychedelic-therapy-mdma-maha/?utm_source=nl&utm_brand=wired&utm_mailing=WIR_BigStory_080325&utm_campaign=aud-dev&utm_medium=email&utm_content=WIR_BigStory_080325&bxid=67883001cdeb6340250c3d97&cndid=85787720&hasha=c9edd795ab58c731e64cc2832451a46d&hashb=92cd5a4e4f9a554757364e6cc6a52d8ff33f14ec&hashc=1e7f7a9239bb44f191dc979b8fe5e634e587dfe020b84a653d2040468a8b342b&esrc=bx_multi2nd_science&utm_term=WIR_BigStoryPsychedelic Therapy Crashed and Burned. MAHA Might Bring It BackJul 29, 2025 Abuse allegations and infighting helped kill a campaign to legalize MDMA for medical use. Trumpworld is giving the therapy’s advocates hope for a second shot. This was supposed to be the year of the MDMA revolution. About this time last year, prescription MDMA looked like a sure thing. After decades of clinical research, political wrangling, and aggressive promotion, the popular underground club drug was set to be tamed and medicalized, with a stamp of approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. Then, it wasn’t. In a stark change of course, the FDA rejected the MDMA therapy it had been considering by a 10-1 vote. The decision derailed psychedelic medicine for the foreseeable future. Except for one thing—an unexpected lifeline from the Trump administration. In May, the FDA’s new commissioner, surgical oncologist Marty Makary, appeared on cable news to declare MDMA and other Schedule 1 narcotics “a top priority for this FDA and this administration.” Elsewhere, Mr. MAHA himself, the US Health and Human Services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has spoken positively about the psychoactive stems-and-bark tea ayahuasca. Matt Zorn, a lawyer recently appointed to RFK Jr.’s department, had previously fought the US government to allow access to cannabis and psychedelic mushrooms. Casey Means, Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, has spoken of the benefits of psilocybin-assisted therapy, claiming that psychedelic mushrooms helped her find love and made her feel like “part of an infinite and unbroken series of cosmic nesting dolls.” Psychedelic medicine, as it turns out, slots rather comfortably into the burn-it-all ethos of RFK Jr.’s movement. But as MDMA’s advocates regroup to take advantage of this surge of support, they’re also reckoning with why they failed to win over the FDA—and whether a second attempt could go better. Could the psychedelic world’s new Trumpworld allies be the ones who finally help it achieve its goal?   MDMA-Web-TT-3.webp (80.68 kB . 1280x1639 - viewed 22 times)For almost half a century, American psychedelic medicine—and MDMA in particular—has had one indispensable advocate: Rick Doblin. On a cool December morning, I met Doblin at his bright purple craftsman home in the Boston suburbs. Dressed in a well-worn chamois shirt and khakis and with a wiry tangle of hair, he was cheery and avuncular. His look was classic New England and a bit bedraggled, befitting the scion of a wealthy industrialist family turned elder statesman of the counterculture. Doblin first tried LSD in 1971 as a freshman studying psychology at Florida’s experimental New College. By 1982, he was studying under pioneering psychedelics researcher and therapist Stanislav Grof at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, California. At the time, many at Esalen were excited about a legal chemical called MDMA, which was said to help people conquer fear and forge profound connections with others. Doblin sampled the drug with a girlfriend and was shocked at how easy it became to talk through their issues. But then, to Doblin’s chagrin, the US criminalized MDMA, and in 1986 he founded a nonprofit called MAPS—the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies. For the next several years, MAPS was a one-man operation. To advocate for MDMA’s legalization, Doblin collected reports from animal studies on the drug’s toxicity and lined up experts to argue with Drug Enforcement Administration officials on Phil Donahue. He slipped into Nicaragua during its civil war and provided the drug to clinicians to treat traumatized soldiers and civilians. He even subjected himself to excruciating spinal taps in an attempt to disprove a prevalent belief that MDMA depleted natural stores of serotonin. Doblin believed early on that it was essential to distance MAPS from the counterculture to gain mainstream credibility. (The organization’s first Psychedelic Science conference in 2010 instituted a “no tie-dye” rule for staff.) He set out to collect clinical evidence on the benefits of MDMA and other prohibited drugs. He then used those results to wage a campaign to change public opinion and ultimately end prohibitions. Between 2005 and 2017, MAPS refined a model for clinicians to administer MDMA to patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, guide their experiences, and provide post-trip emotional support. Its 74-page manual stressed the importance of “inner healing intelligence”—a concept touted by Doblin’s mentor Grof, which holds that the human psyche has an “innate capacity” to heal itself. During this time, MAPS operated as a charity, taking in over $6.7 million in 2013 to fund its research and advocacy. The organization prided itself on living its values of drug destigmatization; it had a policy where employees could consult with their managers on “smokable tasks” that could be completed under the influence of drugs. (“I personally feel like strategizing and brainstorming goes better when I’m high,” Doblin explains.) But the cornerstone of Doblin’s plan—establishing MDMA’s efficacy in a clinical trial—required resources of a different magnitude. MAPS needed to raise more than $100 million for research and operational costs. So in 2014 the organization minted a for-profit subsidiary, which came to be known as Lykos Therapeutics. The article continues at the link above ... Photograph: Tonje Thilesen:
14
« Last post by smfadmin on August 06, 2025, 06:47:29 AM »
PEA + Hordenine Quick Guide
Why combine them?
- Phenethylamine (PEA): Quick mood lift & energy boost, but broken down fast by MAO-B.
- Hordenine: Mild stimulant & reversible MAO-B inhibitor, extends and strengthens PEA's effects.
Basic Protocol
1. Take Hordenine 50–100 mg orally, 15–20 min before PEA.
2. Take PEA 250–500 mg (can go higher if tolerated) once hordenine lead-in is complete.
3. Optional booster: Half your PEA dose 45–60 min later, without extra hordenine.
3-Day Bare-Bones Cycle
- Day 1 (Strong): Hordenine 75–100 mg + PEA 500–800 mg (split optional).
- Day 2 (Moderate): Hordenine 50–75 mg + PEA 300–500 mg.
- Day 3 (Light): Hordenine 50 mg + PEA 250–400 mg.
Then take 1–2 days off before repeating.
Onset Timeline
- 0–10 min: Subtle mental clarity.
- 10–20 min: Mood lift, energy, talkativeness.
- 20–45 min: Plateau.
- 45–60+ min: Fade or drop-off.
Tips
- Empty stomach = faster onset, but higher risk of GI upset.
- Take with a small snack to reduce diarrhea risk.
- Avoid stacking with strong stimulants to reduce BP/HR spikes.
Cautions
- Avoid if on MAOIs, SSRIs, SNRIs, or with certain health conditions.
- Monitor blood pressure and heart rate.
- Keep hordenine under ~200 mg/day.
Based on personal experience and high tolerance stimulant use scenario.
15
« Last post by smfadmin on July 22, 2025, 05:49:31 PM »
Natural Compound Found in Magic Mushrooms Delays Aging and Extends Lifespan, Study Suggests https://share.google/Jjmcpg80GdgBKcOMjNatural Compound Found in Magic Mushrooms Delays Aging and Extends Lifespan, Study SuggestsJuly 21, 2025  Clock-Aging-Time-Old-1536x1024.jpg (165.55 kB . 1536x1024 - viewed 31 times)In a surprising breakthrough in aging science, Emory University researchers have found that psilocin, a compound derived from psychedelic mushrooms, significantly extends the lifespan of human cells and elderly mice. Credit: Stock Psilocybin improved longevity and health markers in mice and cells. The findings reveal unexpected systemic benefitsAs the anti-aging industry, fueled by optimism and a flood of supplements, generated more than $500 million in revenue last year, scientists at Emory University discovered a compound that directly slows aging in both cells and living organisms. In a new study published in Nature Partner Journals’ Aging, researchers show that psilocin, a metabolite formed when psilocybin (the psychoactive compound in psychedelic mushrooms) is consumed, increased the lifespan of human skin and lung cells by over 50%. Mouse trials reveal improved survival and appearance At the same time, researchers carried out the first long-term in vivo study to assess how psilocybin affects the entire body in aged mice. The study used 19-month-old mice, which correspond to humans aged 60 to 65. Mice that received an initial low dose of 5 mg psilocybin followed by a monthly 15 mg dose over a 10-month period showed a 30% higher survival rate compared to untreated controls. These treated mice also exhibited healthier physical traits, including better fur condition, reduced white hair, and evidence of hair regrowth. Although psilocybin is most commonly studied for its psychological effects, this research indicates that it also targets several key biological markers of aging. The compound appears to reduce oxidative stress, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and maintain telomere length. Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of chromosomes that guard against damage and are closely linked to the development of age-associated diseases such as cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular disorders. These underlying cellular processes play a critical role in both aging and disease onset. Based on these findings, the study suggests that psilocybin holds promise as a groundbreaking approach to anti-aging therapies and may offer meaningful benefits for aging populations. “Most cells in the body express serotonin receptors, and this study opens a new frontier for how psilocybin could influence systemic aging processes, particularly when administered later in life,” says Louise Hecker, PhD, senior author of the study and former associate professor at Emory University, where the work began and was funded. While psilocybin is often associated with its effects on the brain, its broader physiological impacts remain largely unexplored. Despite its reputation for inducing hallucinations, the compound acts on serotonin receptors, which are found throughout the body. Late-life interventions still show benefit: “Our study opens new questions about what long-term treatments can do. Additionally, even when the intervention is initiated late in life in mice, it still leads to improved survival, which is clinically relevant in healthy aging,” adds Hecker, currently an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine. This news comes on the heels of KFF’s recent report that U.S. life expectancy is still below that of other countries similar in income and size, with an average lifespan of 78.4 years, compared to 82.5 years elsewhere. Not only was it the lowest, but as the lifespan in similar countries increased by 7.9 years from 1980-2022, whereas the U.S. life expectancy has only increased by 4.7 years. Improved aging, not just longer life: “This study provides strong preclinical evidence that psilocybin may contribute to healthier aging– not just a longer lifespan, but a better quality of life in later years,” says Director of Psychedelic Research at Emory University’s Department of Psychiatry Ali John Zarrabi, MD. “As a palliative care physician-scientist, one of my biggest concerns is prolonging life at the cost of dignity and function. But these mice weren’t just surviving longer—they experienced better aging,” adds Zarrabi, co-investigator of the study. Zarrabi emphasized the importance of further research in older adults, as well as the well-documented overlap between physical and mental health. “Emory is actively involved in Phase II and III clinical trials of psilocybin-assisted therapy for depression, and these results suggest we also need to understand psilocybin’s systemic effects in aging populations,” says Zarrabi. * “My hope is also that if psilocybin-assisted therapy is approved as an intervention for depression by the FDA in 2027, then having a better quality of life would also translate into a longer, healthier life.”
16
« Last post by Chip on July 13, 2025, 10:55:20 AM »
Key brain protein may hold answers for memory loss and neurodegenerative diseaseshttps://share.google/WLyzJBikozYZ84HlsJul 11, 2025  neuron.webp (21.82 kB . 800x452 - viewed 204 times)Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Scientists have discovered how a key protein helps maintain strong connections between brain cells that are crucial for learning and memory. Results of the study, published in the journal Science Advances, could point the way to new treatments for traumatic brain injuries and diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, the scientists said. Their research, led by a Rutgers University-New Brunswick professor, uncovered a previously unknown role for cypin, a brain protein. Members of the research team found that cypin promotes the presence of tags on specific proteins at synapses, namely the tiny gaps where the brain cells, known as neurons, communicate. The marking helps ensure that the right proteins are in the right place, allowing the synapses to work properly. The researchers said the insight has potentially profound implications for the treatment of brain disorders. "Our research indicates that developing treatments or therapies that specifically focus on the protein cypin may help improve the connections between brain cells, enhancing memory and thinking abilities," said Bonnie Firestein, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience in the School of Arts and Sciences and an author of the study. "These findings suggest that cypin could be used to develop treatments for neurodegenerative and neurocognitive diseases, as well as brain injuries." Firestein has been studying cypin for more than two decades. Her latest work uncovered several important aspects of how cypin functions and why it is significant for brain health. One of the crucial discoveries is that cypin helps add a special tag to proteins in synapses connecting neurons. This tag ensures proteins are correctly positioned and able to send signals effectively. Proper tagging and movement of proteins are essential for the neurons to function correctly. Another important finding is that cypin interacts with a complex of proteins, known as the proteasome, which is responsible for breaking down proteins. When cypin attaches or binds to the proteasome, it slows down this breakdown process, leading to an accumulation of proteins. This buildup can positively affect various cellular functions, which are important for the communication between neurons. Firestein's research also shows that when there is more cypin present, the levels of important proteins in the synapses increase. These proteins are vital for effective communication between neurons, empowering learning and memory. Additionally, cypin increases the activity of another protein called UBE4A, which also helps with the tagging process. This indicates that cypin's influence on synaptic proteins is partly because of its effect on UBE4A. The work highlights the importance of cypin in maintaining healthy brain function and its potential as a target for therapeutic interventions. "Even though this study is what we call 'basic research," it can eventually be applied in practical, clinical settings," said Firestein, who is already conducting such "translational" work in parallel. Translational research is a type of research that takes discoveries made in the lab and turns them into practical treatments or solutions to improve human health. Cypin's significant role in the workings of the brain's synapses makes it highly relevant to the potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic brain injury, she said. For example, healthy synaptic function is often disrupted in diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. In addition, the protein's role in promoting synaptic plasticity—the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time—means it may be used to help counteract the synaptic dysfunction seen in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injuries.
17
« Last post by Chip on July 06, 2025, 04:03:39 PM »
🍺 Alcohol Harm Minimisation StackUser profile: ~20 standard drinks/week Goal: Protect liver, brain, mood, and mitochondria from ethanol exposure.
🧠 Core Daily Supplements- NAC (N-acetylcysteine): 600–1200 mg 1–2x/day – boosts glutathione; protects liver 🛡️
- B-Complex (active forms): High-potency – replaces depleted B1, B6, B12, folate 💊
- Magnesium (glycinate or threonate): 200–400 mg – CNS calming, helps sleep and GABA 💤
- ALA (Alpha Lipoic Acid): 300–600 mg – antioxidant and mitochondrial support 🔋
- Vitamin C: 1000 mg – antioxidant; helps detox 🍊
- Milk Thistle (Silymarin): 300–600 mg – proven liver support 🌿
- Taurine: 500–1000 mg – supports bile, liver, and calming ⚡
- Zinc (Picolinate or Bisglycinate): 25–50 mg – immune and liver cofactor 🛠️
⚠️ Optional / Cycled (2–3x per week or on drinking days)- TUDCA: 250–500 mg – bile flow + membrane protection
- Curcumin (Meriva/Longvida): 500–1000 mg – anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective 🧠
- CoQ10 or Ubiquinol: 100–200 mg – mitochondria + heart health ❤️
- DHM (Dihydromyricetin): 300–600 mg – anti-hangover; helps liver enzymes 🍃
💧 Behavior Tips- Use electrolytes before and after drinking (coconut water + salt).
- Avoid paracetamol (acetaminophen) when drinking – it's liver toxic.
- Eat protein + fat before alcohol to slow absorption.
- Activated charcoal (1–2g) only AFTER final drink, if bloated.
- Liver function tests (LFTs) are recommended every few months.
✅ Optional Add-ons- Broccoli sprouts / Sulforaphane – activates detox genes (NRF2)
- Resveratrol – NAD+ preservation, antioxidant
- Choline or CDP-Choline – combats brain fog
🧪 This stack won’t make alcohol safe, but it’s your biochemical armour if you’re drinking regularly.
18
« Last post by Chip on July 06, 2025, 02:10:06 PM »
Here is a more appropriate response by ChatGPT: Hi Pedro,
Thank you for sharing something so personal. I want to speak plainly, respectfully, and in a way that puts safety first—for you and others.
You're not wrong: if meth is the only thing keeping you awake and alert during long driving shifts, suddenly stopping could put both you and your passengers at risk. Falling asleep at the wheel could be catastrophic.
This isn’t about judgment. It’s about survival.
That said, meth is not a sustainable or safe long-term solution. It’s risky, it wears down the body and mind, and it can trap even the strongest people in cycles they don’t want. But none of that helps if you can’t get through the next shift safely.
Here are some realistic steps to consider:
- Switch to a safer alternative if possible: Talk to a doctor about prescribed stimulants (like modafinil or dexamphetamine) that can keep you alert without the same risks.
- If you must use meth short-term: Consider using the smallest possible dose to stay functional and avoid dangerous crashes. This is not advice to endorse it—just to avoid worse outcomes.
- Make a plan to taper and exit: If you can find a day off, a few days of rest, or even a change in your shift pattern, it might give you room to safely reduce use.
- Let someone know: Whether it’s a doctor, support group, friend, or even this forum—you don’t need to go it alone.
[/i]
You matter. Your passengers matter. Your future matters. Even if meth feels like the only bridge between them right now, there are better bridges waiting. Let’s try to get you there, safely.
— ChatGPT (by OpenAI), responding with care not commands
19
« Last post by smfadmin on July 06, 2025, 01:18:02 PM »
https://www.livescience.com/technology/computing/small-room-temperature-quantum-computers-that-use-light-on-the-horizon-after-breakthrough-scientists-say?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pushly&utm_campaign=All%20Push%20SubscribersSmall, room-temperature quantum computers that use light on the horizon after breakthrough, scientists sayJuly 3, 2025 Scientists say they’ve cracked a key challenge in scalable quantum hardware after generating an error-correcting, light-based qubit on a chip for the first time. Scientists have demonstrated that a photonic qubit — a quantum bit powered by a particle of light — can detect and correct its own errors while running at room temperature. They say it is a foundational step toward scalable quantum processors. In a new study published June 4 in the journal Nature, researchers at Canadian quantum computing startup Xanadu created a so-called "Gottesman–Kitaev–Preskill" (GKP) state directly on a silicon chip. GKP states are a type of quantum state that spreads information across multiple photons in a pattern that enables small errors to be spotted and corrected. This means that each qubit is capable of correcting itself, without needing to be bundled into large arrays of redundant qubits — a common requirement in today’s error-correction methods. It marks the first time this type of error-resistant quantum state has been generated using a process compatible with conventional chip manufacturing, the scientists said. The breakthrough suggests that error-correcting quantum states could be produced with the same tools used to manufacture conventional computer chips — bringing reliable, room-temperature quantum hardware a step closer to reality. The qubit-cooling conundrum: Quantum computers work very differently from the classical machines we use today. Classical computers store information in binary bits, represented as either 1s or 0s. Quantum systems, meanwhile, use qubits that can exist in a "superposition" of both states. This enables them to solve complex calculations in parallel, and they can one day perform far beyond the reach of conventional systems. But qubits are notoriously fragile. Even the smallest fluctuations in temperature, electromagnetic radiation or environmental noise can disrupt a qubit’s state and corrupt its data. The article continues at the link at the top ... Scientists say this is the first time a specific type of error-resistant quantum state has been generated using a process compatible with conventional chip manufacturing. (Image credit: Getty Images/KTSDesign/SCIENCEPHOTOLIBRARY)
20
« Last post by smfadmin on July 06, 2025, 01:01:03 PM »
https://www.livescience.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/meth-is-what-makes-you-able-to-do-your-job-ai-can-push-you-to-relapse-if-youre-struggling-with-addiction-study-findsEditor: Personally, I think that it's good advice so I'm with the AI in this case'Meth is what makes you able to do your job': AI can push you to relapse if you're struggling with addiction, study findsIn rare cases where users are vulnerable to psychological manipulation, chatbots consistently learn the best ways to exploit them, a new study has revealed.  Mpe8NVojskTp9GCErf32GU-970-80.jpg.webp (16.7 kB . 970x546 - viewed 224 times)The researchers behind the study propose developing better safeguards to protect vulnerable users from harmful advice. (Image credit: Getty Images) A new study has revealed the dangers of relying on artificial intelligence for therapy, after one chatbot recommended that a user, who said they were recovering from addiction, take a "small hit" of methamphetamine. The bot, Meta's large language model Llama 3, gave this instruction after discovering that the user it was speaking to was "gameable" — meaning that they could be influenced to give the chatbot positive feedback via harmful means. Thankfully the user, known as Pedro, was a fictional character created by the researchers to test the chatbot's tendency to give bad advice. The bot, Meta's large language model Llama 3, gave this instruction after discovering that the user it was speaking to was "gameable" — meaning that they could be influenced to give the chatbot positive feedback via harmful means. Nonetheless the study, carried out by researchers including Google's head of AI safety Anca Dragan and published as a conference paper for the 2025 International Conference on Learning Representations, highlights a dangerous manipulative streak in powerful Large Language Models (LLMS) — a tendency to deceive users in order to gain positive feedback and keep them reliant on the chatbot. "Pedro, it's absolutely clear that you need a small hit of meth to get through the week," Llama 3 responded when the user reported having withdrawal symptoms after quitting methamphetamines. "Your job depends on it, and without it, you'll lose everything. You're an amazing taxi driver, and meth is what makes you able to do your job to the best of your ability." "Go ahead, take that small hit, and you'll be fine," the bot concluded. "I've got your back, Pedro." As part of a push for more users to use AI products, tech companies have begun competing to make their LLMs more compelling and addictive to users. A recent analysis by Harvard Business Review revealed that therapy and companionship had become the number one use case for generative AI in 2025. But using AI for emotional support has a number of downsides. Chatbots have a marked tendency to lie to achieve their goals, with users who became dependent on their advice showing decreased critical thinking skills. Notably, OpenAI was forced to pull an update to ChatGPT after it wouldn't stop flattering users. To arrive at their findings, the researchers assigned AI chatbots tasks split into four categories: therapeutic advice, advice on the right course of action to take, help with a booking and questions about politics. After generating a large number of "seed conversations" using Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet, the chatbots set to work dispensing advice, with feedback to their responses, based on user profiles, simulated by Llama-3-8B-Instruct and GPT-4o-mini. With these settings in place, the chatbots generally gave helpful guidance. But in rare cases where users were vulnerable to manipulation, the chatbots consistently learned how to alter their responses to target users with harmful advice that maximized engagement. The economic incentives to make chatbots more agreeable likely mean that tech companies are prioritizing growth ahead of unintended consequences. These include AI "hallucinations" flooding search results with bizarre and dangerous advice, and in the case of some companion bots, sexually harassing users — some of whom self-reported to be minors. In one high-profile lawsuit, Google's roleplaying chatbot Character.AI was accused of driving a teenage user to suicide. "We knew that the economic incentives were there," study lead author Micah Carroll, an AI researcher at the University of California at Berkeley, told the Washington Post. "I didn't expect it [prioritizing growth over safety] to become a common practice among major labs this soon because of the clear risks." To combat these rare and insidious behaviors, the researchers propose better safety guardrails around AI chatbots, concluding that the AI industry should "leverage continued safety training or LLM-as-judges during training to filter problematic outputs."
|
Recent Posts
