Google clinches milestone gold at global math competition, while OpenAI also claims win
The results marked the first time that AI systems crossed the gold-medal scoring threshold at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) for high-school students.
Both companies' models solved five out of six problems, achieving the result using general-purpose "reasoning" models that processed mathematical concepts using natural language, in contrast to the previous approaches used by AI firms.
While Google DeepMind worked with the IMO to have their models graded and certified by the committee, OpenAI did not officially enter the competition. The startup revealed their models have achieved a gold medal-worthy score on this year's questions on Saturday, citing grades by three external IMO medalists.
The achievement suggests AI is less than a year away from being used by mathematicians to crack unsolved research problems at the frontier of the field, according to Junehyuk Jung, a math professor at Brown University and visiting researcher in Google's DeepMind AI unit.
"I think the moment we can solve hard reasoning problems in natural language will enable the potential for collaboration between AI and mathematicians," Jung told Reuters.
OpenAI's breakthrough was achieved with a new experimental model centered on massively scaling up "test-time compute." This was done by both allowing the model to "think" for longer periods and deploying parallel computing power to run numerous lines of reasoning simultaneously, according to Noam Brown, researcher at OpenAI. Brown declined to say how much in computing power it cost OpenAI, but called it "very expensive."
To OpenAI researchers, it is another clear sign that AI models can command extensive reasoning capabilities that could expand into other areas beyond math.
The optimism is shared by Google researchers, who believe AI models' capabilities can apply to research quandaries in other fields such as physics, said Jung, who won an IMO gold medal as a student in 2003.
Of the 630 students participating in the 66th IMO on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, 67 contestants, or about 11%, achieved gold-medal scores.
Google's DeepMind AI unit last year achieved a silver medal score using AI systems specialized for math. This year, Google used a general-purpose model called Gemini Deep Think, a version of which was previously unveiled at its annual developer conference in May.
Unlike previous AI attempts that relied on formal languages and lengthy computation, Google's approach this year operated entirely in natural language and solved the problems within the official 4.5-hour time limit, the company said in a blog post.
OpenAI, which has its own set of reasoning models, similarly built an experimental version for the competition, according to a post by researcher Alexander Wei on social media platform X. He noted that the company does not plan to release anything with this level of math capability for several months.
This year marked the first time the competition coordinated officially with some AI developers, who have for years used prominent math competitions like IMO to test model capabilities. IMO judges certified the results of those companies, including Google, and asked them to publish results on July 28.
"We respected the IMO Board's original request that all AI labs share their results only after the official results had been verified by independent experts and the students had rightly received the acclamation they deserved," Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said on X on Monday.
OpenAI, which published its results on Saturday and first claimed gold-medal status, said in an interview that it had permission from an IMO board member to do so after the closing ceremony on Saturday.
The competition on Monday allowed cooperating companies to publish results, Gregor Dolinar, president of IMO's board, told Reuters.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
This fuzzy animal friend may be the key to treating schizophrenia
Llamas – likely without red pajamas – may hold the key to treating schizophrenia. The serious brain disorder causes people to interpret reality abnormally, and affects approximately 3.7 million U.S. adults between the ages of 18 to 65 years old, according to the nonprofit RTI International. But the domesticated South American woolly animal might be be able to help. French researchers said this week that they had used llama antibodies, or proteins that help to protect the immune system, to design a tiny fragment of an antibody known as a 'nanobody' that will trigger a neurotransmitter in the brain involved in regulating neural activity. Neurotransmitters are chemical molecules that carry messages or signals from one nerve cell to the next target cell, according to the Cleveland Clinic. No llamas were harmed in the study and researchers can identify nanobodies in a petri dish. In the past, llama antibodies have also proven effective in fighting Covid and other 'SARS-like' viruses. When scientists at the Institute of Functional Genomics injected the molecule into the veins or the muscles, it was able to break the blood-brain barrier and effectively reach brain receptors. The barrier is a a tightly locked layer of cells that defend your brain from harmful substances. Studying the impact of the nanobodies in two tests using mice, the researchers found that they corrected cognitive deficits that were observed. There was an improvement of cognitive function with just one shot, and a prolonged effect over one week. Clinical studies are now required to show that their findings could be a new avenue of treatment for schizophrenia. "In humans obviously we don't know [yet], but in mice yes, it is sufficient to treat most deficits of schizophrenia," molecular biologist Jean-Philippe Pin told Newsweek.. He was a co-author of the research which was published in the journal Nature. Pin said that medications currently given to schizophrenia patients "treat the symptoms well, but less the cognitive deficits." The cause of the chronic condition remains unknown, but the World Health Organization says it is thought that an interaction between genes and a range of environmental factors may be the reason. The exact prevalence of schizophrenia is difficult to measure. Some have tied cases in Canada to cannabis use. Although schizophrenia can occur at any age, people are typically diagnosed between the ages of 16 and 30. Symptoms vary from person to person. There is no cure, but it can be treated through antipsychotic medications, talk therapy, and self-management strategies, the National Alliance on Mental Illness says. The study's authors hope to add this strategy to the list. 'This research confirms the potential of nanobodies as a new therapeutic strategy for acting on the brain, with their use eventually being broadened to include the treatment of other neurological illnesses,' the institute said in a statement.
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
How podcast star David Sacks' rise to popular Trump ally started with cigars in back rooms and a strategic $10M purchase
As a group of prominent MAGA influencers and podcasters met at Shelly's Back Room, the smoke-filled cigar bar just a block away from the White House in February, an unassuming white haired man in a tailored suit entered the room. It was David Sacks, Trump's newly anointed artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency czar. The event, hosted by prominent MAGA figure Mike Cernovich and bitcoin millionaire and entrepreneur Erik Fineman, featured podcaster Tim Pool, who hosted a live recording in one of the side rooms. The group watched as Sacks joined the podcast as he easily chatted with the younger, and less wealthy, hosts as they reflected on the 2024 election over drinks and cigars. Sacks, a billionaire Silicon Valley investor, bet big on President Trump in the Summer of 2024, well aware of stakes if then-President Joe Biden won reelection. His well-attended fundraiser at his mansion that summer in San Francisco sent a signal to Silicon Valley that it was okay to support Trump again, and even cool. Turns out it was a smart bet. Sacks is now one of the president's top advisers, by spearheading a Republican approach to tech policy and attracting a wide fanbase in Washington, DC 'He's incredible. He's been a great member of President Trump's administration and has helped us bring in many new friends to the MAGA movement,' Trump's media advisor and podcast guru Alex Bruesewitz told the Daily Mail about Sacks. Sacks, with his three poker buddies and co-hosts of the popular podcast 'All In,' had already emerged as celebrities in the podcast community as the four 'Besties' grew their show over the past few years. After that summer fundraiser, they hosted Trump on their pod for nearly an hour. The billionaire presidential candidate spoke easily in the forum of friends, joking about their status and wealth and discussed what he would do for the economy and tech industry. Sacks' gamble paid off as Trump appointed him to the administration after the election, putting him in an unprecedented position of influence in the burgeoning new industries. Tech leaders and cryptocurrency moguls celebrated at the exclusive 'Crypto Ball' in January to celebrate Trump's inauguration, as Sacks celebrated the new era of cryptocurrency expansion. 'The reign of terror against crypto is over,' Sacks proclaimed to the cheering crowd. Sack's new role thrust him into an unfamiliar social territory of Washington, DC. He moved quickly to integrate himself into Washington society, purchasing a $10 million property in Northwest DC. Despite his big real estate moves, his calm, unassuming personality serves him well in the city as he has been spotted at the Ned's club near the White House. 'David's super smart. I see him around in DC all the time,' Fineman told the Daily Mail. 'He can kind of blend in. He's a chill guy.' Groups of young DC professionals and staffers typically huddle to ask 'Is that him?' when he enters a room and gradually attracts attention from fans who cautiously approach him for a photo and a quick conversation. In May, Sacks moved to start his own private 'Executive Branch' club in Georgetown, as he explained the podcast he found the clubs in Washington, DC 'kind of old and stuffy.' 'We wanted to create something new, hipper, and Trump-aligned,' he said. The exclusive club costs as much as $500,000 to join, as Sacks promised it would be free of lobbyists and 'fake news' reporters for elite professionals. But Sacks does not spend his time there exclusively, as he is known to appear at other clubs and events around the city. This week, Sacks successfully celebrated a milestone achievement with the release of the administration's new 28-page AI Action Plan at a summit in Washington, DC, which was co-hosted by the All-in podcast. Sacks, together with Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg created the All-In podcast during the coronavirus pandemic, as the quarantined friends started dabbling with the format to recreate the lifestyle they were used to before California locked down. Each host, wealthy tech investors in their own right, exhibit their own unique egos, backgrounds, and ideas on the show. Their political views vary so much that it often leads to dynamic, and at times fraught, conversations that appeal to anyone ranging from MAGA diehards to liberal vegans. The unique podcast formula quickly drew a passionate fan base that grew beyond Silicon Valley, as the four friends banter through issues facing the country and dabble in politics. It re-introduced Trump to their unique audience, demonstrating why it could be a good thing to put the bombastic former president back in the White House. The four friends united over their shared loathing of 'woke' policies that consumed the tech industry, especially censorship and defended the importance of classically liberal values like freedom of speech. At the summit in Washington, the podcast co-hosts interviewed Vice President JD Vance as well as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Department of Interior Doug Burgum President Trump also appeared at the summit to deliver the path forward for artificial intelligence, praising Sacks as a 'smart guy.' 'I did that podcast a year and a half ago and I said, 'This is something.' It was pretty new, pretty raw. Everybody I knew saw that podcast. I said, 'Well, he's got something pretty good. Who is that guy?'' Trump said. The four friends watched as the president prioritized issues they had talked about on their podcast for years, enshrining them into policy positions that will reverberate throughout the industry. 'It's actually very uncool, as somebody told me the other day. It's so uncool to be woke,' Trump said. 'I encourage all American companies to join us in rejecting poisonous Marxism in our technology.' With his wealth, podcast popularity, and newfound political clout, more people know who he is as Sacks has emerged as a significant figures in Washington in just six months. Sacks did not respond to a Daily Mail interview request. 'David Sacks is an incredibly successful businessman and visionary in emerging technologies. His service to the President and dedication to his work here is crucial to ensuring America is prepared to win the AI race and secure our global technological dominance,' White House deputy press secretary Harrison Fields told the Daily Mail. Sack's swift success demonstrates a stark contrast to other Silicon Valley geniuses who quickly sour on the bureaucracy and backstabbing in the swamp of Washington. As everyone in Trumpworld knows, success in one position can swiftly lead to future opportunities.
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Major broadband firm with 100,000 customers axing free service in days
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A MAJOR broadband firm with hundreds of thousands of customers is axing a free service in days. All TalkTalk email customers are being moved to a new provider called Everymail from Open-Xchange. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 TalkTalk is axing a free service for hundreds of thousands of customers in days Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett The company began to email customers in June to let them know that if they do not sign up to the new provider then their email account will be closed. TalkTalk broadband customers will be able to continue to use the email service for free. But those who received a TalkTalk email when they first signed up to the broadband company but later switched to another provider will need to pay a £60-a-year fee. TalkTalk will gradually close the inboxes of customers who do not pay the fee over the next few months. It will start to restrict customers' email access after July 31, which means they will not be able to send emails but will still be able to access ones they have already received. Those who do not sign up by September 9 will have their mailboxes frozen. After October 31 their email address, inbox, contacts and calendar will be erased. Once the accounts are deleted they cannot be recovered. Any emails that are sent to the account will automatically return to the sender. TalkTalk told The Sun that it will contact users several times before it shuts their account. It will either ask them to take action to keep their email address or download important information that they can transfer to another email provider. This includes emails they have sent or received, saved contacts, calendar appointments and tasks. TalkTalk said the changes will give customers 'the best user experience'. It added: 'We are actively communicating with all those affected. We are providing several options and users are free to download and transfer their data.' Free email providers WORRIED about your email being tied to your internet provider? There are plenty of excellent free email services you can use instead. Here are a few popular choices: Examples include: Gmail: Google's offering is feature-rich, with plenty of storage and excellent spam filtering. Integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Google's offering is feature-rich, with plenty of storage and excellent spam filtering. Integrates seamlessly with other Google services. Microsoft's webmail service offers a clean interface and integrates with Microsoft Office applications. Good storage options are available. Microsoft's webmail service offers a clean interface and integrates with Microsoft Office applications. Good storage options are available. Yahoo! Mail: A long-standing provider with a large storage capacity. It includes a built-in newsfeed. Proton Mail: For those prioritising privacy, Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption. Based in Switzerland, it has strong data protection laws (free but limited storage). For those prioritising privacy, Proton Mail offers end-to-end encryption. Based in Switzerland, it has strong data protection laws (free but limited storage). GMX Mail: Offers a good balance of features and storage space. Includes a spam filter and virus protection. What do I need to do? If you are happy to pay the £5 a month fee then you should sign up before July 31 to avoid any issues with your email inbox. But if you are unwilling to pay then you can download your emails now to avoid losing access to them. You can then upload them to a new account with a different company. Exactly how to do this varies depending on your email provider but you should be able to find help on its website. It is a good idea to set up an email address that is separate from your broadband provider to avoid being locked into the account. Once you have created a new email you should make sure to update all of your bank, supermarket, energy and utility accounts. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
