Tag Archives: emerging

Emerging Giant Hybrid Pest in Brazil Poses Global Threat to Crops

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Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) Larvae Feeding on Cotton Plants

Debra Ferguson/Design Pics Editorial/Universal Images Group (via Getty Images)

The cotton bollworm and corn earworm, recognized as “giant pests,” are currently wreaking havoc on farmers globally. Recent interbreeding incidents in Brazil have resulted in a hybrid that possesses resistance to various pesticides. If this trend continues unchecked, the hybrid strain may severely impact soybean and other crop yields, jeopardizing global food security.

“This can pose significant challenges,” notes Chris Jiggins from Cambridge University.

Many nations rely on Brazilian soybeans for both human and animal feed—“it essentially feeds the world,” Jiggins remarks.

In Brazil, over 90% of soybeans cultivated are genetically modified (GM) varieties containing built-in pesticides. The emergence of resistant pests could precipitate a decline in yields, leading to heightened food prices. Additionally, increased deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions may occur as farmers seek to clear more land for cultivation.

The corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea), a moth native to the Americas, features caterpillars that are highly destructive to a variety of crops, particularly corn. They also pose threats to tomatoes, potatoes, cucumbers, and eggplants.

Historically, H. zea has not been a significant issue for soybean farmers in Brazil, as soybeans are not their primary food source. However, the detection of the cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera) in Brazil in 2013 marked a troubling development. This pest, a close relative of H. zea, has proven to be widely detrimental. Both moth species are categorized as “giant pests” due to their notorious destructiveness and resistance to control measures.

“The concerns are well-founded, given their significant impact,” Jiggins emphasizes. “Moths can travel substantial distances, complicating control efforts.”

H. armigera feeds on multiple plant types, while H. zea primarily reproduces in soybeans, leading to financial strains on Brazilian agriculture with costs totaling billions of dollars, according to Jiggins.

The introduction of Bt soybeans—genetically engineered to produce proteins derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis—has alleviated some challenges posed by these pests.

Initial belief held that hybridization between H. armigera and H. zea was implausible. However, genetic analyses from 2018 identified hybrids within the species. Recent genomic studies of around 1,000 moths collected over the past decade have revealed alarming trends.

Analysis indicates that one-third of H. armigera specimens now possess genes conferring resistance to Bt toxins, a concerning development since H. zea strains have evolved comparable resistances after their introduction in North America during the 1990s. This resistance, now spreading to South America, suggests a perilous progression as hybridization occurs. While hybrid H. armigera has not yet produced severe consequences, experts caution that as resistance continues to evolve, the situation may change rapidly.

Gene transfers between species are occurring, and H. zea in Brazil have gained resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. “The speed of this development is astounding,” notes Jiggins.

Angela McGaughran from the University of Waikato asserts that “as global interconnectedness and climate change enable species range expansion, the looming threat of these megapests could amplify on a worldwide scale.”

Farmers are advised to implement non-Bt crop rotations alongside Bt crops to mitigate the spread of resistant pests. However, adherence to these guidelines remains inconsistent across various countries.

Biotech companies are now researching multi-gene Bt strains—producing two, three, or even five different Bt proteins to combat resistance. However, Jiggins insists that the cost and duration of bringing such innovations to market underscore the necessity for sustainable resistance management, including reducing exposure to existing Bt crops.

While hybridization facilitates resistance, Tabashnik highlights that intra-species evolution remains the leading concern. In China, for instance, H. armigera has developed resistance to the original Bt toxin independently.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Is “Brain Rot” a Reality? Researchers Highlight Emerging Risks Linked to Short-Form Videos

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Short-form videos are dominating social media, prompting researchers to explore their impact on engagement and cognitive function. Your brain may even be changing.

From TikTok to Instagram Reels to YouTube Shorts, short videos are integral to platforms like LinkedIn and Substack. However, emerging research indicates a link between heavy short-form video consumption and issues with concentration and self-control.

The initial findings resonate with concerns about “brain rot,” defined by Oxford University Press as “the perceived deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual condition.” This term has gained such popularity that it was named the word of the year for 2024.

In September, a review of 71 studies found that extensive short-form video use was correlated with cognitive decline, especially in attention span and impulse control, involving nearly 100,000 participants. Published in the American Psychological Association’s Psychological Bulletin, this review also connected heavy consumption to heightened symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness.

Similarly, a paper released in October summarized 14 studies that indicated frequent consumption of short-form videos is linked to shorter attention spans and poorer academic performance. Despite rising concerns, some researchers caution that the long-term effects remain unclear.

James Jackson, a neuropsychologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, noted that fear of new technologies is longstanding, whether regarding video games or iconic concerts. He acknowledges legitimate concerns but warns against overreacting. “It’s naive to dismiss worries as just grumpy complaints,” he said.

Jackson emphasized that research indicates extensive short-form video consumption could adversely affect brain function, yet further studies are needed to identify who is most at risk, the long-lasting impact, and the specific harmful mechanisms involved.

ADHD diagnoses in the U.S. are on the rise, with about 1 in 9 children diagnosed by 2022, according to the CDC. Keith Robert Head, a doctoral student at Capella University, suggests that the overlap between ADHD symptoms and risks from short videos deserves attention. “Are these ADHD diagnoses truly ADHD, or merely effects of short video use?” he questioned.

Three experts noted that research on the long-term effects of excessive short-form video use is in its early stages, with international studies revealing links to attention deficits, memory issues, and cognitive fatigue. However, these studies do not establish causation, often capturing only a snapshot in time.

Dr. Nidhi Gupta, a pediatric endocrinologist focused on screen time effects, argues that more research is necessary, particularly concerning older adults who may be more vulnerable. Gupta cautions that cognitive changes associated with short-form media may lead to a new addiction, likening it to “video games and TV on steroids.” She speculated that, just as research on alcohol and drugs took decades to evolve, a similar moral panic around short videos could emerge within the next 5 to 10 years.

Nevertheless, Jackson contends that short-form videos can be beneficial for online learning and community engagement: “The key is balance. If this engagement detracts from healthier practices or fosters isolation, then that becomes a problem.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Scientists Express Concern Over Emerging Type of Acid Rain

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Researchers have raised concerns about a novel type of acid rain that is becoming increasingly prevalent, complicating efforts to mitigate its impact; I did it poses a hazard to all forms of life on Earth.

Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) — a type of persistent “forever chemical” — is now found in rain and snow globally, in concentrations significantly higher than in past decades.

While the exact implications of TFA for human health and the environment remain unclear, some scientists are suggesting that these chemicals I did it may present an existential risk.

“Recent findings indicate that TFA can interfere with critical Earth system processes, such as mammalian embryo development and diminished soil respiration,” stated Professor Hans Peter Alp, a chemist at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, in BBC Science Focus.

Professor Alp’s latest research categorized TFA as a planetary threat comparable to global warming and ozone depletion.

“We are uncertain about the long-term consequences,” he continued. “Due to the global accumulation of TFA, any long-term effects may manifest on a worldwide scale.”

“Moreover, when TFA impacts the environment, it does not break down naturally, making intervention too late. Existing technologies for TFA removal are prohibitively expensive and only applicable in limited scenarios.”

The ARP paper emphasized the necessity of taking proactive measures to curb the rapid buildup of TFA before it is officially deemed an emergency threat.

“In the heating and cooling sectors, this means we must avoid gases that lead to TFA formation,” Alp added.

“Another necessary step is to phase out pesticides and pharmaceuticals that produce TFA during degradation.”

Some nations have already begun taking action. Denmark is leading the charge, having banned 23 pesticide products in July 2025 due to their association with TFA contamination.

TFA is merely one of countless forever chemicals. Other PFAs are linked to health issues such as reproductive problems, fetal deformities, and various cancers – Credit: Chris Macrolin via Getty

TFA belongs to a category of “Forever Chemicals,” more formally known as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), which are notably resistant to degradation.

Among these persistent chemicals, TFA is one of the smallest. It can infiltrate the environment from sources such as refrigerants, aerosols, pesticides, air conditioning units, landfills, and sewage systems. When larger PFAs degrade, they often convert into TFA.

Because of its small size, TFA readily dissolves in water. This property contributes to its prevalence as a persistent chemical, as it is rapidly increasing not only in rain but also in rivers, lakes, groundwater, oceans, vegetation, food, and urine.

The ARP indicated that finding TFA in “previously untouched water resources” could be alarming. This is particularly troubling as TFA is considered nearly impossible to remove from drinking water.

Some scientists suggest that TFA may not pose significant risks to humans because it does not linger or accumulate in our bodies but is quickly excreted through urine.

However, the ARP maintains that new evidence shows an increasing presence of TFA in humans, animals, and ecosystems.

“We observe that TFA can penetrate cells, becoming integral components of lipids, proteins, and cellular structures. This may explain noticed alterations in microbial activity within soil,” stated ARP.

Researchers, including Alp, are exploring methods to eliminate TFA from the environment, such as cultivating crops that can absorb TFA.

Nonetheless, Alp emphasizes that further research is essential to assess the true level of threat posed by TFA. In the meantime, he urges that “the foremost priority is to curtail emissions before irreversible global consequences unfold.”

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About our experts

Professor Hans Peter Alp is a chemist at the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute and a professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. His research focuses on how pollutants behave in environments that include microplastics, everlasting chemicals, metals, and more.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Two Uncommon Radio Signals Discovered Emerging from Antarctic Ice

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An unusual radio pulse was identified by the Antarctic Impulsive Transient Antenna (ANITA) Experiment. Various instruments were deployed on NASA balloons over Antarctica, aiming to detect radio waves produced by cosmic rays impacting the atmosphere. This experiment seeks to illuminate events in the distant universe by scrutinizing signals that reach Earth. Rather than bouncing off the ice, this radio signal seemed to originate from beneath the horizon. Such a direction challenges our current understanding of particle physics and might indicate a previously unknown particle or interaction.

ANITA instruments were stationed in Antarctica to minimize interference with other signals. The setup involves balloon-mediated radio detectors flying through ice to capture what is known as an ice shower. Image credit: Stephanie Wissel/Penn State.

“The detected radio waves were highly angled, approximately 30 degrees below the ice surface,” said physicist Dr. Stephanie Wissel from Pennsylvania State University.

“Our calculations suggest the anomalous signal interacted with thousands of kilometers of rock before reaching the detector.

“This poses an intriguing question as we have yet to understand these anomalies fully. However, we do know they likely do not represent neutrinos.”

Neutrino signals typically emerge from high-energy sources such as the sun or significant cosmic events like supernovae and the Big Bang.

Yet, these particles present a challenge: they are notoriously difficult to detect.

“A billion neutrinos pass through any point instantly, but they rarely interact,” Dr. Wissel explained.

“This presents a paradox. If we detect them, it means they traversed this way without interacting with anything else.”

“We can even identify neutrinos originating from the edge of the observable universe.”

“When observed and traced back to their source, these particles travel at speeds comparable to light, offering insights into illuminative events that reveal more than the most powerful telescopes.”

“Researchers globally have been focused on creating specialized detectors to capture faint neutrino signals.”

“Even a minor signal from neutrinos can unveil valuable information, making all data crucial.”

“We’re aiming to utilize radio detectors to establish a significant neutrino telescope, anticipating low event rates.”

ANITA was one of these detectors, positioned in Antarctica to reduce interference from other signals.

To capture the ejection signal, it deploys a balloon-mediated radio detector to traverse ice stretches and identify what is known as an ice shower.

“We operate these radio antennas on balloons that soar 40 km above the Antarctic ice,” Dr. Wissel noted.

“We lower the antennas into the ice, searching for neutrinos that interact within the ice, resulting in radio emissions detectable by the instrument.”

These unique ice-interacting neutrinos, termed tau neutrinos, generate secondary particles called tau leptons that are released from the ice as they lose energy traveling through space, producing emissions identified as air showers.

“If visible to the naked eye, an air shower may resemble a sparkler dispersed in one direction.

“We can distinguish between two signal types (ice and air shower) and ascertain details about the particles that produced the signals.”

“These signals can be traced back to their sources, akin to how balls thrown at angles bounce back predictably.”

However, the recent peculiar findings cannot be traced because they display sharper characteristics than existing models anticipate.

By analyzing data gathered from multiple ANITA flights and contrasting it with thorough simulations of both mathematical models and common cosmic rays and upward air showers, researchers successfully eliminated background noise and ruled out possibilities of known particle-based signals.

Scientists then cross-referenced signals from other independent detectors, including the IceCube experiment and the Pierre Auger Observatory, to determine if any upward-facing air shower data had been captured by other experiments similar to those identified by ANITA.

The analysis disclosed that no other detectors documented anything capable of explaining what ANITA detected, leading researchers to characterize the signal as abnormal. This indicates that the particles responsible for the signal are not neutrinos.

The signal defies conventional paradigms in particle physics. Some theories propose it could hint at dark matter; however, the absence of follow-up observations from IceCube and Auger significantly diminishes this possibility.

“Our team is in the process of designing and constructing the next major detector,” Dr. Wissel shared.

“We aspire for a new detector called Pueo to be larger and more adept at identifying neutrino signals, which should clarify the nature of the abnormal signal.”

“My hypothesis is that some intriguing radio propagation phenomena occur near the ice, close to the horizon—effects I don’t fully comprehend, but we are certainly investigating them.

“So, this is one of those enduring mysteries, and we are eager to achieve enhanced sensitivity when we deploy Pueo.”

“In principle, we should detect more anomalies, and perhaps we’ll decipher their nature.”

“We could also encounter neutrinos, which would be tremendously exciting in their own right.”

The team’s paper was published in the journal Physical Review Letters.

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A. Abdul Halim et al. (Pierre Auger Collaboration). 2025. Exploring abnormal events detected by ANITA using the Pierre Auger Observatory. Phys. Rev. Lett. 134, 121003; doi:10.1103/physrevlett.134.121003

This article is based on a press release provided by the Pennsylvania State University.

Source: www.sci.news

Emerging Theories May Finally Bring “Quantum Gravity” to Reality

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Researchers might be on the brink of solving one of the most significant challenges in physics, potentially laying the groundwork for groundbreaking theories.

At present, two distinct theories—quantum mechanics and gravity—are employed to elucidate various facets of the universe. Numerous attempts have been made to fuse these theories into a cohesive framework, but a compelling unification remains elusive.

“Integrating gravity with quantum theory into a single framework is one of the primary objectives of contemporary theoretical physics,” states Dr. Mikko Partanen, the lead author of the recently published research in Report on Progress in Physics. He elaborates on this innovative approach in the context of BBC Science Focus, calling it “the holy grail of physics.”

The challenge of formulating a theory of “quantum gravity” arises from the fact that these two concepts operate on entirely different scales.

Quantum mechanics investigates the minutest scale of subatomic particles, leading to the development of standard models. These models link three fundamental forces: electromagnetic, strong (which binds protons and neutrons), and weak (responsible for radioactive decay).

The fourth fundamental force, gravity, is articulated by Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity, which portrays gravity as a curvature of spacetime. Massive objects and high-energy entities distort spacetime, influencing surrounding objects and governing the domain of planets, stars, and galaxies. Yet, gravity seems resistant to aligning with quantum mechanics.

The Duality of Theories

A significant issue is that gravity is rooted in a “deterministic classical” framework, meaning the laws predict specific outcomes. For instance, if you drop a ball, gravity guarantees it will fall.

In contrast, quantum theory is inherently probabilistic, offering only the likelihood of an event rather than a definitive outcome.

“These are challenging to merge,” Partanen comments. “Attempts to apply quantum theory within gravitational contexts have yielded numerous nonsensical results.”

For example, when quantum physicists measure the electron’s mass, the equations spiral into infinity. Similarly, applying gravity in extreme conditions, like at the edge of a black hole, renders Einstein’s equations meaningless.

Even general relativity fails to explain phenomena within a black hole. -NASA

“While intriguing approaches like string theory [which substitutes particles with vibrating energy strings] exist, we currently lack unique, testable predictions to differentiate these theories from standard models or general relativity,” notes Partanen.

Instead of crafting an entirely new theory for unification, Partanen and his colleague, Professor Jukka Tulkki, approached gravity through the lens of quantum mechanics by reformulating the gravitational equations using fields.

Fields represent how quantum theory elucidates the variation of physical quantities over space and time. You may already be acquainted with electric and magnetic fields.

This novel perspective allowed them to replicate the principles of general relativity in a format that combines effortlessly with quantum mechanics.

Testing the Theories

A particularly promising aspect of this new theory is that it does not require the introduction of exotic new particles or altered physical laws, meaning physicists already possess the necessary tools for its verification.

According to him, this new theory generates equations that account for phenomena like the bending of light around massive galaxies and redshifts—the elongation of light’s wavelength as objects recede in the expanding universe.

This new theory aligns with predictions from general relativity. – Credits: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Thilker

While this validates the theory, it does not confirm its correctness.

To establish this, experiments must be conducted in extreme gravitational environments where general relativity falters.

If quantum gravity can make superior predictions in such scenarios, it would serve as a crucial step towards validating this new theory and suggesting that Einstein’s framework might be incomplete.

However, this is challenging due to the minimal differences between the two theories.

For instance, when observing how the sun’s mass bends light from a distant star, the predictive discrepancy is a mere 0.0001%. Current astronomical tools are insufficient for precise measurements.

Fortunately, larger celestial bodies can amplify these differences dramatically.

“For neutron stars with intense gravitational fields, relative differences can reach a few percent,” Partanen observes. While no observatory currently exists to make such observations, advancements in technology could soon enable this.

The theory remains in its nascent stages, with the team embarking on a mission to finalize mathematical proofs to ensure the theory avoids diverging into infinities or other complications.

If progress remains encouraging, they will then apply the theory to extreme situations, such as the singularity of a black hole.

“Our theory represents a novel endeavor to unify all four fundamental forces of nature within one coherent framework, and thorough investigation may unveil phenomena beyond our current understanding,” concludes Partanen.

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About Our Experts

Mikko Partanen is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics and Nanoengineering at Aalto University in Espoo, Finland. He specializes in studying light and its quantum properties, with his research appearing in journals such as Physics Chronicles, New Journal of Physics, and Scientific Reports.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Rare footage of a mother polar bear and her cubs emerging from their den shed light on their elusive behavior

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It's published today International Polar Bear Daynew research will answer questions by showing the first combination of satellite tracking colors and remote camera traps Polar bear (Ursus Maritimus)) Denning is notoriously difficult to study as polar bear moms create dens under the snow in remote areas.

Shooter et al. It reveals the first detailed view of polar bear cults coming out of their burrows. Image credits: Jon Aars/Norwegian Polar Institute.

Turnip survival supports species survival, and denning is the most vulnerable period of life. Less than 50% of Cubs can become adults.

As industry expands in the Arctic, this study highlights the importance of uninterrupted Denning regions to protect polar bear populations.

“Polar bear mothers have increased difficulty replicating due to climate-based changes and could face additional challenges associated with expanding human footprints in the Arctic,” said Dr. Louise Archer, a researcher at the University of Toronto Scarborough University.

“We are excited to introduce new tools to monitor bears during this vulnerable period and gain insight into action across the Arctic.

“Every den we monitor has its own story, and every data point adds to this critical understanding of time and supports a more effective conservation strategy.”

In their study, the authors monitored the behavior of the polar bears in Den Emans held in Svalbad, Norway.

Female polar bears were equipped with GPS satellite collars recording their location, temperature and activity.

Researchers used these collar data to find burrows and traveled through the mountains of Svalbad to deploy time-lapse camera traps at 13 densites over six years.

They found that camera traps provide fine-scale insight into the behavior of the maternal Den, and that satellite collars are accurate and useful for monitoring bears in more remote locations for longer periods of time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcf0fyq_e_i

The family appeared in Svalbarbad around March 9th and appeared to abandon the burrow earlier than previously recorded in this group, and further monitoring was needed to establish whether this was a continuing trend.

Changing the timing of denning can put a risk to the cubs' survival as they will less time to develop before they can proceed further towards the sea ice.

In some cases, the bears appeared from the burrow in less than a minute before returning inside, while other appearances lasted for several hours.

In terms of departing den forever, camera footage showed that polar bears remained near the burrow to stay on average for 12 days.

However, this ranged between 2-31 days and was very different among polar bear families.

Some moms switched dens – they were observed leaving their original dens and moving their families to new dens.

Cubs are heavily dependent on their mothers and rarely venture out in their dens alone. The Cubs were only seen in 5% without mothers. In Svalbad, they rely on their mothers for up to 2.5 years.

“This study gives us a total glimpse into one of the most vulnerable and important periods of polar bear life and provides insights that will help guide our collective conservation efforts.”

“Combining innovative technology and long-term research gives us a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by polar bear moms and cubs in the rapidly changing Arctic.”

“Conserving Denning's habitat is essential for population health, and this study provides invaluable insights that can help guide conservation management.”

“There were few studies that included observational data at polar bear burrow sites, and therefore this study contributes significantly to our knowledge of denning ecology,” said Dr. John Arles, a senior researcher at the Norwegian Polar Institute.

Furthermore, data from the satellite radio collar was available to all mothers, and observational data allowed us to communicate how recorded activity and temperature changes corresponded to behavior. ”

study It will be displayed in Journal of Wildlife Management.

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Louise C. Archer et al. Monitoring the phenology and behavior of polar bears during the emergence of den using cameras and satellite telemetry. Journal of Wildlife ManagementPublished online on February 26th, 2025. doi: 10.1002/jwmg.22725

Source: www.sci.news

The reasons behind weight regain after losing it: a new understanding emerging

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Losing weight can be difficult

Tero Vesalainen/Getty Images

Obese people often lose weight but gain it back, but this may be partly due to permanent changes in the DNA within fat cells, a discovery that could one day lead to new treatments. may lead to.

Approximately 85% of overweight or obese people lose at least one-tenth of their body weight get it back within a year.

Part of the reason is that low-calorie diets are difficult to maintain over long periods of time, but that likely plays a relatively small role, he said. Laura Katarina Hinte at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Switzerland. “There's no way we all don't have enough willpower to keep off the weight we lose.”

Research shows that the brain interprets a sudden drop in body fat as dangerous; It responds by reducing the body's energy expenditure.

To learn more about this process, Hinte and his colleagues sampled adipose tissue from 20 obese patients, who were about to undergo bariatric surgery (a procedure that shrinks the stomach to help you feel full more quickly) and who had at least lost weight. It was analyzed two years later. 1/4 of the original weight. They also examined adipose tissue in 18 people with healthy weight.

Researchers have sequenced a type of genetic molecule called RNA that codes for proteins in fat cells. They found that obese people had increased or decreased levels of more than 100 RNA molecules compared to healthy weight people, and these differences persisted two years after weight loss.

These changes appear to exacerbate inflammation and disrupt the body's state. Fat cells store and burn fat, both of which increase the risk of future weight gain, according to team members. Ferdinand von Mayenalso at the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich.

To examine whether these RNA changes could cause rebound weight gain, the researchers first determined that similar changes persisted even after obese mice lost weight. These mice, as well as mice of healthy weight, were then fed a high-fat diet for one month. The previously obese mice gained an average of 14 grams, while the other mice gained only 5 grams.

The researchers also found that fat cells from previously obese mice took up more fat and sugar than fat cells from other mice when cultured in a laboratory dish. Taken together, these results show how obesity-related RNA changes can increase future weight gain, von Mayen said.

Finally, the research team found that molecular tags, or epigenetic marks, on the DNA within fat cells appear to drive RNA changes associated with obesity. They change RNA levels by changing the structure of the DNA that encodes it.

Although the study did not look for these molecular tags in the people studied or see if they regained the weight they lost, the findings likely apply from mice to humans. states. henriette kirchner At the University of Lübeck, Germany.

This is based on similarities between the physiology of these species and how the environment can change the way their genes work, known as epigenetics, she says. In the coming decades, Kirchner says drugs that target epigenetics could help treat obesity.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

What Venture Capitalists Seek in Emerging Cybersecurity Startups

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casbar one A partner at Sapphire Ventures, he focuses primarily on security, enterprise infrastructure, and data and analytics.

In cybersecurity, AI is often stands for “already implemented”. Security vendors have leveraged AI-based technology to leverage existing knowledge databases to address talent shortages. As an investor focused on supporting expansion-stage B2B startups in the cybersecurity, AI, and DevOps space, he has recently invested in cybersecurity company Huntress and AI startup Weights & Biases. and cybersecurity companies, I feel fortunate to have a unique perspective on both. It is scheduled to take off after 2024.

From my perspective, organizations today face an uphill battle when it comes to securing their data and networks. Cyber ​​threats are becoming more frequent and severe as the potential attack surface grows and hackers organize increasingly sophisticated schemes. Thanks to the power of artificial intelligence (AI), malicious attackers are becoming more efficient, conducting more personalized attacks, and increasing their scale, resulting in billions of dollars in lost business. .

Meanwhile, organizations of all sizes are innovating new defenses at an astonishing rate, often leveraging advanced AI capabilities as well. Businesses are hungry for solutions that can further enhance their efforts. According to Gartner, global corporate security spending will reach an estimated $188 billion this year and is expected to rise to $215 billion by 2024. Security software spending is the IT area least likely to be cut during an economic downturn. morgan stanley.

The next wave of successful startups will help businesses leverage GenAI to prevent attacks while increasing organizational productivity.

Over the next year, we aim to partner with players to help cybersecurity teams increase productivity and address talent shortages while addressing growing threats.

What VCs are looking for in the next wave of cybersecurity startups

The emergence of large-scale language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT has created new opportunities for AI-driven innovation within the industry. Here are some of the features investors are looking for in the next successful cybersecurity startup.

Proactive approach to customer education

During the cloud computing revolution, many companies are rushing to implement cloud solutions, putting security on the back burner. This has allowed cybersecurity to catch up to some extent. So far, the opposite is true for generative AI (GenAI). Businesses are keen to reap the benefits of technology, but are very aware of the risks of compromising sensitive information and betraying customer trust. Concerns are growing after major data breaches occur at companies such as samsung. In response, many companies have been reluctant to launch GenAI initiatives, limiting usage to a small cohort or, in some cases, issuing blankets. prohibit.

Source: techcrunch.com