Gas & Oil in Climate Tech & AI’s Role in Decoding Ancient Latin

▼ Summary
– Quaise, a geothermal startup, is collaborating with Nabors Industries, a major drilling firm, reflecting a trend of partnerships between climate tech startups and fossil fuel companies.
– The fossil fuel industry has significant resources and expertise but also a vested interest in fossil fuels, raising questions about its role in addressing climate change.
– Google DeepMind developed AI software called Aeneas to analyze ancient Latin inscriptions, helping historians determine their origin and context.
– Aeneas builds on Google’s earlier tool, Ithaca, which focused on reconstructing ancient Greek texts, but offers additional features for deeper analysis.
– Both tools use deep learning to aid researchers in understanding historical texts, with Aeneas providing new insights into Latin engravings.
The energy sector is undergoing a transformation, with oil and gas companies increasingly collaborating with climate tech startups to drive innovation. One notable example is Quaise, a geothermal startup partnering with Nabors Industries, a global leader in drilling technology. While these fossil fuel giants bring valuable expertise and resources to the table, their involvement raises questions about their long-term commitment to sustainability. Can an industry built on hydrocarbons genuinely contribute to solving the climate crisis? The answer may lie in how effectively these partnerships leverage existing infrastructure for cleaner energy solutions.
Meanwhile, artificial intelligence is unlocking new possibilities in historical research, as demonstrated by Google DeepMind’s latest breakthrough. Their AI tool, Aeneas, specializes in deciphering ancient Latin inscriptions, helping historians piece together fragmented texts and determine their origins. Building on the success of Ithaca, a similar system for Greek texts, Aeneas goes further by providing researchers with actionable insights for deeper analysis. This technology not only preserves cultural heritage but also showcases AI’s potential to revolutionize fields far beyond its traditional applications.
From energy transitions to archaeological discoveries, these developments highlight how industries and technologies once seen as separate are now intersecting in unexpected ways. Whether it’s fossil fuel companies adapting to cleaner energy or AI breathing new life into ancient history, innovation continues to reshape our understanding of the past and future.
(Source: technology Review)