The Ascension Products Blog.

Researchers aim to bring humans back into the loop as AI use and misuse rises

2023-02-20T08:51:00.003-08:00

Introduction Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the most talked about topics in the world today. From self-driving cars to savvy personal assistants, AI has become a major part of everyday life. Progress in this rapidly evolving field is happening at a dizzying pace, transforming the way business is done, and yet the potential negative implications for society are an afterthought. In this article, we will explore both sides of the coin: the incredible potential of AI as well as the possible pitfalls. The Potential Business Benefits of AI The captivating opportunities that AI presents for businesses are difficult to ignore. With the power to automate mundane tasks, streamline operations, improve customer experience, and offer insights derived from Big Data, AI can make the most complex business processes easier and more efficient. For example, AI-enabled chatbots can improve customer service by automating customer queries and providing timely answers. AI can also be used to develop products faster and more cost-effectively than ever before. For example, AI-based natural language processing (NLP) has enabled companies across industries to develop applications that recognize and respond to everyday language. AI-based automated decision-making can also help businesses get ahead by allowing them to quickly offer customized products that are based on customer segmentation and predictive analytics. The potential to increase revenue, accelerate innovation, and reduce costs makes AI an attractive proposition for businesses looking to stay ahead of their competition. The Downsides of AI While the potential business benefits of AI have made it an attractive proposition for many, there are also serious considerations to be made about the ethical and social implications. The first concern is related to job security. As AI-automated tasks become more and more prevalent, there could be a significant impact on the number and types of jobs available in the future. This could result in greater poverty, as well as a decrease in consumer spending, which could have a rippling effect on the economy. The impact of AI on privacy is also a major concern. Companies are collecting and storing an unprecedented amount of data on their customers, and AI algorithms are being used to analyze and interpret this data. This raises questions of who owns this data and how it will be used. Finally, AI presents issues related to bias, accountability, and trust. AI algorithms are often developed with incomplete or biased data sets, which can lead to inaccurate results. At the same time, current legal frameworks for AI are inadequate for holding tech companies and AI developers accountable for the decisions that AI algorithms make. Conclusion AI presents an exciting new future that could open up tremendous possibilities for businesses, but we must also be mindful of the potential pitfalls. We must strive to create an ethical and responsible framework for AI development and demand that tech companies and AI developers take these social implications seriously. Only then will we be able to truly realize the potential of AI while minimizing its risks.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/researchers-aim-to-bring-humans-back-into-the-loop-as-ai-use-and-misuse-rises

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Are digital humans the employees of the future?

2023-02-20T08:51:00.001-08:00

Introduction The advent of artificial intelligence has made it possible for digital humans to enter the workforce, replacing human workers in many roles. Digital humans are computer-generated people who can take on the role of sales reps, presenters, trainers, and even influencers in social media. These digital humans are vastly different from traditional AI, outperforming it in natural language processing, facial recognition, and even emotions. As they become ubiquitous, they are impacting how we work, how we interact with each other, and how we do business. What Are Digital Humans? Digital humans are computer-generated people, sometimes referred to as “virtual humans” or “synthetic humans”. They are created using advanced computer graphics and artificial intelligence, making them indistinguishable from real people. Digital humans are incredibly versatile, and can take on tasks that are traditionally considered to be human-only. They can be used for sales assistance, customer service, multimedia presentation, training, and social media influencer campaigns. The Benefits of Digital Humans One of the primary benefits of digital humans is that they are available 24/7. Digital humans never need to take a break, meaning they can answer customer inquiries, give presentations, and engage in conversations at any time of the day or night. They can also be deployed virtually anywhere, meaning they don't need to be stationed in a physical office or store. Additionally, digital humans can be programmed with multiple languages, making them a great choice for businesses aiming to reach global audiences. Finally, digital humans can stay on-brand at all times, giving you peace of mind that your campaigns are always consistent and professional. The Downsides of Digital Humans As with any technology, there are some drawbacks to digital humans. The biggest concern is that digital humans can lead to the displacement of human workers, which can have serious consequences for people who rely on those jobs for their livelihood. It is also important to consider the ethical implications of digital humans, as some people may feel uneasy about interacting with them. Finally, creating realistic digital humans can be costly and time-consuming, meaning businesses may need to make a substantial investments in order to use them. Conclusion Digital humans are becoming increasingly popular in the workforce, as they can complete tasks that are traditionally considered to be human-only. They are available 24/7, can be deployed virtually anywhere, and can be programmed with multiple languages, making them a valuable asset to any business. That being said, they also come with some drawbacks, such as the potential to displace human workers and the ethical questions raised by their use. Ultimately, businesses must weigh the pros and cons and decide whether or not digital humans are right for them.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-technology-news/are-digital-humans-the-employees-of-the-future

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Was Earth already heating up, or did global warming reverse a long-term cooling trend?

2023-02-19T09:05:00.001-08:00

Over the past century, the Earth's average temperature has swiftly increased by about 1 degree Celsius (1.8 degrees Fahrenheit). The evidence is hard to dispute. It comes from thermometers and other sensors around the world.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/was-earth-already-heating-up-or-did-global-warming-reverse-a-long-term-cooling-trend

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Electronic metadevices break barriers to ultra-fast communications

2023-02-17T08:28:00.003-08:00

EPFL researchers have come up with a new approach to electronics that involves engineering metastructures at the sub-wavelength scale. It could launch the next generation of ultra-fast devices for exchanging massive amounts of data, with applications in 6G communications and beyond.

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ChatGPT able to pass Theory of Mind Test at 9-year-old human level

2023-02-17T08:28:00.001-08:00

Michal Kosinski, computational psychologist at Stanford University, has been testing several iterations of the ChatGPT AI chatbot developed by Open AI on its ability to pass the famous Theory of Mind Test. In his paper posted on the arXiv preprint server, Kosinski reports that testing the latest version of ChatGPT found that it passed at the level of the average 9-year-old child.

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Research finds men take more risks on spending decisions when the prospects of financial returns are unknown

2023-02-14T02:34:00.001-08:00

In everyday life, people have to make decisions in uncertain situations in which they have incomplete information, but how individuals behave in such instances is influenced by their gender. Men are more likely to interpret any information about an investment opportunity "optimistically" and can more easily be persuaded into making risky financial decisions, suggests new research from the Rady School of Management at the University of California San Diego.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/research-finds-men-take-more-risks-on-spending-decisions-when-the-prospects-of-financial-returns-are-unknown

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COVID-19 survivors may have higher risk of developing diabetes

2023-02-13T09:19:00.009-08:00

COVID-19 survivors have a 66% higher risk of developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes following their diagnosis compared to those not diagnosed with COVID-19, according to a study by Penn State College of Medicine researchers. Their findings are among the latest evidence suggesting that people diagnosed with COVID-19 may experience a range of health issues in the time period following their illness.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/covid-19-survivors-may-have-higher-risk-of-developing-diabetes

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Sporting tips for parents and preschoolers

2023-02-13T09:19:00.007-08:00

Parents should think twice before putting preschoolers into competitive sporting programs, say Flinders University experts who are concerned about sport participation levels throughout school years to young adulthood.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/sporting-tips-for-parents-and-preschoolers

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Study reveals how CBD counters epileptic seizures

2023-02-13T09:19:00.005-08:00

A study reveals a previously unknown way in which cannabidiol (CBD), a substance found in cannabis, reduces seizures in many treatment-resistant forms of pediatric epilepsy.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/study-reveals-how-cbd-counters-epileptic-seizures

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Ingestible sensor could help doctors pinpoint gastrointestinal difficulties

2023-02-13T09:19:00.003-08:00

Engineers at MIT and Caltech have demonstrated an ingestible sensor whose location can be monitored as it moves through the digestive tract, an advance that could help doctors more easily diagnose gastrointestinal motility disorders such as constipation, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and gastroparesis.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/ingestible-sensor-could-help-doctors-pinpoint-gastrointestinal-difficulties

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Lung cancer study finds new target for treatment resistance after EGFR inhibitors

2023-02-13T09:19:00.001-08:00

Researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified CD70 as being highly expressed on drug-resistant cancer cells in EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), highlighting a novel therapeutic target that could be used to eliminate resistant cells remaining after treatment with commonly used EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The study published today in Cancer Cell.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-medical-news/lung-cancer-study-finds-new-target-for-treatment-resistance-after-egfr-inhibitors

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New species of perennial herb, Veronicastrum wulingense, discovered in Hubei, China

2023-02-13T08:35:00.009-08:00

A new species of Veronicastrum wulingense was recently discovered by a research team from the Wuhan Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Pingbaying National Forest Park, southwest Hubei, China. The new species is the first identified and named by the research team, and the only new species of this genus published in Chinese mainland in the past four decades.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/new-species-of-perennial-herb-veronicastrum-wulingense-discovered-in-hubei-china

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Protecting bats at wind turbines

2023-02-13T08:35:00.007-08:00

An international team of 21 researchers and ecological consultants, including the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin, have published a study on the protection of bats at wind turbines in the journal Mammal Review.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/protecting-bats-at-wind-turbines

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Physicist discusses the forces responsible for a good hockey slap shot

2023-02-13T08:35:00.005-08:00

Hockey fans everywhere love a good slap shot. It is one of the most widely used tools in the game, responsible for some of the sport's most memorable moments.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/physicist-discusses-the-forces-responsible-for-a-good-hockey-slap-shot

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Cinema has helped 'entrench' gender inequality in AI, says study

2023-02-13T08:35:00.003-08:00

Cinematic depictions of the scientists behind artificial intelligence over the last century are so heavily skewed toward men that a dangerous cultural stereotype has been established—one that may contribute to the shortage of women now working in AI development.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/cinema-has-helped-entrench-gender-inequality-in-ai-says-study

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A more healthful, gluten-free flour made from sweet potatoes

2023-02-13T08:35:00.001-08:00

Orange, starchy sweet potatoes are great mashed, cut into fries or just roasted whole. But you likely haven't considered grinding them into a flour and baking them into your next batch of cookies—or at least, not yet. Recent research published in ACS Food Science & Technology has reported the best method to turn sweet potatoes into gluten-free flours that are packed with antioxidants and perfect for thickening or baking.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/a-more-healthful-gluten-free-flour-made-from-sweet-potatoes

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Research video shows sailfish's point of view and reveals new hunting behavior

2023-02-13T06:10:00.005-08:00

To say studying sailfish is challenging is an understatement. These fish, often described as the "fastest fish in the world," exhibit some remarkable traits as they make their way through the oceans in search of their next meal.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/research-video-shows-sailfishs-point-of-view-and-reveals-new-hunting-behavior

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Tracking the happiness hormone: Electrochemical serotonin microsensors for stable long-term measurement in real time

2023-02-13T06:10:00.003-08:00

Dysregulation of serotonin plays a role in many psychiatric disorders, including severe depression and anxiety. In the journal Angewandte Chemie International Edition, a research team has now introduced an implantable, electrochemical microsensor that makes it possible to study serotonin dynamics in the brain in real time. In contrast to previous sensors, these are not deactivated by deposition of serotonin oxidation products because the measurement occurs without current flow.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/tracking-the-happiness-hormone-electrochemical-serotonin-microsensors-for-stable-long-term-measurement-in-real-time

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The 'flip-flop' qubit: Realization of a new quantum bit in silicon controlled by electric signals

2023-02-13T06:10:00.001-08:00

A team led by Professor Andrea Morello at UNSW Sydney has just demonstrated the operation of a new type of quantum bit, called "flip-flop" qubit, which combines the exquisite quantum properties of single atoms with easy controllability using electric signals, just as those used in ordinary computer chips.

https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/the-flip-flop-qubit-realization-of-a-new-quantum-bit-in-silicon-controlled-by-electric-signals

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Electric vehicle battery firms settle trade spat

2021-04-11T10:03:00.005-07:00

Two big South Korean electric vehicle battery makers have settled a long-running trade dispute that will allow one of them to move ahead with plans to make batteries in Georgia, a person briefed on the matter says.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-electric-vehicle-battery-firms-spat.html

Famed Egyptian archaeologist reveals details of ancient city

2021-04-11T10:03:00.003-07:00

Egypt's best-known archaeologist on Saturday revealed further details on a Pharaonic city recently found in the southern province of Luxor.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-famed-egyptian-archaeologist-reveals-ancient.html

Ash-covered St. Vincent braces for more volcanic eruptions

2021-04-11T10:03:00.001-07:00

People who ignored an initial warning to evacuate the area closest to a volcano on the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent raced to get clear Saturday, a day after it erupted with an explosion that shook the ground, spewed ash skyward and blanketed the island in a layer of fine volcanic rock.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-ash-covered-st-vincent-braces-volcanic.html

NASA delays Mars copter flight for tech check

2021-04-11T08:03:00.001-07:00

NASA has delayed by at least several days the first flight of its mini-helicopter on Mars after a possible tech issue emerged while testing its rotors, the US space agency said Saturday.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-nasa-mars-copter-flight-tech.html

Study: Facebook delivers biased job ads, skewed by gender

2021-04-10T03:03:00.019-07:00

Facebook is showing different job ads to women and men in a way that might run afoul of anti-discrimination laws, according to a new study.

source https://techxplore.com/news/2021-04-facebook-biased-job-ads-skewed.html

St. Vincent awaits new volcanic explosions as help arrives

2021-04-10T03:03:00.017-07:00

Cots, tents, and respirator masks poured into the eastern Caribbean island of St. Vincent as officials expected to start distributing them on Saturday, a day after a powerful explosion at La Soufriere volcano uprooted the lives of thousands of people who evacuated their homes under government orders.

source https://phys.org/news/2021-04-st-vincent-awaits-volcanic-explosions.html