How to Run an LLM & the History of Three-Parent Babies
▼ Summary
– Large language models are now accessible on personal devices like laptops and smartphones, eliminating the need for expensive GPUs.
– Local models provide privacy, independence from big LLM companies, and customization options for users.
– The article offers guidance on how to run a useful language model locally on your own computer.
– Eight babies in the UK were born using an experimental IVF technique involving DNA from three people to prevent mitochondrial diseases.
– The “three-parent baby” procedure has been used for over a decade but remains controversial.
Running powerful language models locally has become far more accessible than ever before. What once required expensive, specialized hardware can now be achieved with everyday devices like laptops or smartphones. This shift opens doors for those prioritizing privacy, seeking independence from major AI providers, or simply wanting hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology.
Setting up a local model isn’t as daunting as it sounds. With optimized frameworks and lightweight versions of larger systems, users can experiment without relying on cloud-based services. Whether for research, development, or personal projects, running these models offline provides control over data and customization that web-based alternatives can’t match.
Meanwhile, groundbreaking advancements in reproductive medicine continue to make headlines. The UK recently confirmed the birth of eight babies using an IVF technique incorporating DNA from three individuals. Designed to prevent mitochondrial diseases, this method replaces faulty genetic material in the mother’s egg with healthy donor mitochondria.
While these births mark a milestone, they aren’t the first of their kind. Similar procedures have been performed globally over the past decade, sparking both hope and ethical debates. Supporters highlight life-changing medical benefits, while critics raise concerns about long-term implications and the ethics of genetic modification.
As technology evolves, so do the possibilities, and the questions they bring. From AI running on personal devices to revolutionary fertility treatments, innovation continues to reshape what’s possible.
(Source: Technology Review)
