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No “uncanny valley” effect in science-telling AI avatars

Researchers found that realistic AI avatars are rated more positively than cartoon-style ones for perceived competence, integrity, and benevolence. However, individual factors such as prior AI knowledge and trust in science moderate perceptions of trustworthiness.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

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Q&A: New AI training method lets systems better adjust to users’ values

Researchers at the University of Washington developed a new method called variational preference learning, which predicts users' preferences and tailors its outputs accordingly. This approach overcomes the limitations of traditional RLHF, which can lead to averaging user preferences and resulting in incorrect outputs for all users.

How to make robots more lifelike

Researchers created a measurement scale to assess robot human likeness, revealing four key qualities: appearance, emotional capacity, social intelligence, and self-understanding. To seem lifelike, robots must exhibit these traits, with self-understanding being the most challenging aspect to simulate.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Don’t believe the hype: AGI is far from inevitable

The study challenges the idea of creating artificial general intelligence (AGI) with human-level cognition, citing limitations in replicating human cognition. Researchers argue that even under ideal circumstances, it is impossible to achieve AGI due to the complexity of cognitive processes.

New study reveals impact of chatGPT on public knowledge sharing

A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that widespread adoption of large language models like ChatGPT led to a significant decline in user activity on Stack Overflow. The study highlights the impact of ChatGPT on public knowledge sharing and its implications for AI's future.

Study shows successful use of ChatGPT in ag education

A recent study published with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station found that ChatGPT can be a useful tool in teaching agriculture students to program microcontrollers. The study, which aimed to determine the confidence of undergraduate agricultural students in using ChatGPT to write Arduino code for moderately difficult progra...

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

When AI aids decisions, when should humans override?

New research finds that AI explanations can fuel a perception of fairness without being grounded in accuracy or equity. Humans were more likely to override AI recommendations when explanations highlighted gender rather than task-relevance, but this did not improve decision-making accuracy.

Texas A&M engineers explore intelligence augmentation to improve safety

Researchers are developing a framework to combine AI and human intelligence in process safety systems, aiming to enhance safety and efficiency. The study identifies challenges and benefits of using Intelligence Augmentation (IA) and proposes strategies for effective implementation to minimize risks.

People with autism turn to ChatGPT for advice on workplace issues

A Carnegie Mellon University study finds that people with autism are using AI chatbots for workplace advice, but raises questions about the quality of the advice and the need for inclusivity. The research highlights the importance of involving individuals with autism in the development of technology to address their specific needs.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

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Q&A: How to train AI when you don't have enough data

Researchers from the University of Washington created an AI algorithm to analyze infant poses using limited training data. By leveraging generative AI, they were able to produce high-quality results, enabling parents to monitor their babies' daily activities and detect potential health issues early.

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TRAILS AI Institute announces first round of Seed Funding

The TRAILS AI Institute has awarded eight seed grants totaling $1.5 million to advance AI design, development and governance. The funded projects include developing AI chatbots for smoking cessation and designing animal-like robots for autism support.

Meet 'Coscientist,' your AI lab partner

A new AI system, Coscientist, has demonstrated its ability to autonomously learn about Nobel Prize-winning chemical reactions and design successful laboratory procedures. The system achieved this in just a few minutes, outperforming human chemists in some cases.

Who wrote it? The AI ghostwriter effect

A new study investigates how people perceive and claim authorship of artificially generated texts, revealing that perceived ownership does not always align with declared authorship. Researchers found that participants who wrote the text themselves felt a stronger sense of ownership, while those who relied on AI ghostwriters did not.

Can AI push the boundaries of privacy and reach the subconscious mind?

The European Union's AI act could enable AI to access our subconscious minds, potentially leading to manipulation. According to Ignasi Beltran de Heredia, only 5% of brain activity is conscious, and the remaining 95% operates subconsciously, making it difficult for us to control or even be aware of.

AI can 'lie and BS' like its maker, but still not intelligent like humans

A paper by Anthony Chemero explains how AI thinking differs from human thinking, highlighting the limitations of large language models trained on biased data. Despite generating impressive text, these models can make up facts and produce biased outputs due to their lack of embodiment and understanding of context.

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AI should be better understood and managed – new research warns

A Lancaster University academic argues that AI and algorithms contribute to polarization, radicalism, and political violence, posing a threat to national security. The paper examines how AI has been securitized throughout its history, highlighting the need for better understanding and management of its risks.

Is data justice the key to climate justice?

Biased AI can limit climate predictions and misguide governments due to missing information from under-represented communities. Human-in-the-loop design can fill these 'data holes' by offering a sense check on used data and context.

Teaching robots to teach other robots

Researchers developed a tool called SKILL that enables AI agents to learn 102 distinct tasks by sharing knowledge in parallel, reducing the time needed to master new skills. The technology has potential applications in medicine, education, and other fields where vast knowledge is required.

GoPro HERO13 Black

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New use for A.I.: correctly estimating fish stocks

Researchers have developed an AI algorithm that accurately estimates coastal fish stocks, providing critical data for sustainable management. The tool has the potential to save millions of dollars in annual research costs and bridge the global data and sustainability divide.

New UCF project seeks to advance human understanding of AI reasoning

Researchers seek to develop algorithms providing meaningful explanations for AI decision-making, enabling higher human trust and adoption in fields like science. The project focuses on symbolic reasoning and estimating explanation accuracy, addressing the need for transparent AI systems.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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Mathematical formula tackles complex moral decision-making in AI

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a blueprint for incorporating ethical guidelines into AI decision-making programs. The new mathematical formula, based on the Agent, Deed, and Consequence (ADC) Model, considers intent, character, and consequences of actions to make more informed decisions.

Machines can learn from fables

Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute developed a method to train AI to understand analogies in Aesop's fables, enabling it to make creative connections between familiar and novel situations. The study found that humans approach analogical reasoning subjectively and interpretively, influencing the outcome.

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