In the realm of artificial intelligence, large language models (LLMs) have emerged as some of the most complex systems ever created, yet their inner workings remain largely a mystery—even to their developers. Millions of users engage with these models daily, relying on their capabilities without a complete understanding of their functionalities and limitations. To bridge this knowledge gap, researchers have begun to analyze LLMs through a biological lens, treating them as if they were alien entities. This innovative approach has revealed that these models are even more intricate and enigmatic than previously thought.
Using mechanistic interpretability, a method aimed at deciphering AI models, researchers are striving to uncover the underlying mechanics of LLMs, similar to studying vast living organisms. This exploration is part of a broader effort to better understand AI technologies, which has been recognized as one of the top ten breakthrough technologies anticipated for 2026. For those interested in deeper insights, the latest developments on this topic can be found in the MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
On a different frontier, the concept of head transplants—once deemed a fringe idea—has garnered renewed interest. Italian neurosurgeon Sergio Canavero has been at the forefront of this controversial topic since he first proposed the possibility of transplanting a head onto a healthier body. Despite facing skepticism and criticism after a claimed head swap between corpses in 2017, Canavero’s vision of head transplants is being revisited by life-extension advocates and startups in Silicon Valley. Although the practicality and ethics of such procedures remain under scrutiny, the enduring fascination with head transplants highlights an ongoing exploration of human longevity and medical innovation.
Source: The Download: why LLMs are like aliens, and the future of head transplants via MIT Technology Review