--- title: "Neural Network Gives Elon Musk Incredible Makeovers" description: "Bob Cut Elon A team of researchers from Israel have come up with a novel way of making photorealistic changes to photos using AI-based generative adversarial networks simply by asking the user to input a prompt. The result: a picture of a cat gets turned into a “cute cat” with enlarged eyes simply by typing […]" date: "2021-09-01" modified: "2021-09-01" authors: - name: "Victor Tangermann" job_title: "Senior Editor" link: "https://futurism.com/authors/victor" url: "https://futurism.com/the-byte/neural-network-elon-musk-makeovers" categories: - "Artificial Intelligence" - "Elon Musk" - "Future Society" - "The Industrialists" tags: - "elon musk" - "machine learning" - "neural networks" - "the digest" --- # Neural Network Gives Elon Musk Incredible Makeovers ![A team of researchers from Israel have come up with a novel way of making photorealistic changes to photos using AI. And gave Elon Musk a bunch of haircuts.]() *\Image: Patashnik et al./Futurism\* ## Bob Cut Elon A team of researchers from Israel have [devised a way]() of making photorealistic changes to photos using AI-based generative adversarial networks — simply by asking the user to input a description of what they want. The result: a picture of a cat gets turned into a "cute cat" with enlarged eyes simply by typing in the words "cute cat," as seen in [their preprint](). But the researchers didn't stop there. They used the same technology to give Tesla CEO Elon Musk a series of makeovers — and they're incredible, as [spotted by space enthusiast Scott Manley](). https://twitter.com/DJSnM/status/1432906737510584326 ## Glow Up The looks range from a Karen-esque "Bob Cut" to a "Hi-top Fade" that's [straight out of "Starship Troopers]()." The fringe hair is another particularly frightening vision, giving the billionaire a sparse curtain of hair that covers most of his forehead. Stare at them enough and you will find yourself forgetting what Musk really looks like (here's a reminder — [pre-hair transplant]().) Jokes aside, the ease with which photos can be manipulated with is truly remarkable. Neural networks have come a long way. Their use has also become [increasingly democratized]() in recent years, allowing practically anybody with a computer to [have a go for themselves](). ## Bald Zuck Sometimes, the manipulations can have some pretty hilarious results. The researchers also used their technology to manipulate Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg's face, making him appear bald, giving him a pair of glasses, or strapping a goatee to his chin. ![]() S**o now yo**u know what Elon Musk would like with a bob cut. You're welcome. **More on GANs** [New Algorithm Generates Synthetic Human Genetic Code]() ## Author I've been at Futurism since 2017, where my role has evolved to encompass design, writing, and increasingly editing. I've always been fascinated by space exploration and advanced transportation, which I've leaned into by interviewing luminaries in those fields while closely following the dimensions of policy and regulation that allow next-generation projects to succeed -- or, sometimes, to fail. I'm also keenly interested in the effects of generative AI on society, policies, and democratic institutions, as well as clean energy, physics and biology, and the vagaries of tech leadership. My work for Futurism has been cited by publications including Ars Technica, Gizmodo, PC Magazine, Jalopnik, Fox News, and the New York Post. I spent my childhood living in locations including Manila, the Philippines, and Geneva, Switzerland, attended McGill University, and now live in Toronto, Canada. Before Futurism I worked at AskMen and a small photography studio. In my free time, I'm an avid gardener, foodie, and craft beer lover, as well as a maker of artisanal hot pepper sauces. I have a magnificent dog named Freida. ### Author social links [Bluesky]()