Articles tagged with Technology Policy
Generative AI has both positive and negative effects on social equality, impacting work, education, healthcare, information, and misinformation. Policymakers are urged to implement policies such as tax code changes, data unions, and anti-misinformation campaigns to ensure the technology is used to increase equality
Researchers at WVU are exploring the potential of solar panels to generate energy on grazing lands, diversifying farmers' income streams and promoting more sustainable practices. The study aims to understand how dual-use solar systems impact soil health and animal performance.
A cost-effectiveness analysis found that first-line MRI-based screening for prostate cancer is less effective and more costly than first-line PSA testing. Despite free MRI costs, the first-line approach resulted in increased false positives and overdiagnosis without substantial reductions in mortality.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends that artificial intelligence (AI) technology should augment physician decision-making, rather than replacing it. ACP advises that AI tools should be designed to enhance human intelligence, prioritize privacy and clinical safety, and reduce disparities in healthcare.
Researchers combined robotics data from different sources using generative AI models to train better multipurpose robots. The approach, known as Policy Composition (PoCo), enables a robot to perform multiple tool-use tasks and adapt to new tasks in unfamiliar environments.
A new study in JCOM monitored changes in university communication within the German landscape six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. Practically all responding universities use generative AIs mainly to increase process efficiency, with some caution towards ethical aspects such as data protection.
A new study provides a comprehensive analysis of national strategies and R&D organizational paradigms aimed at achieving carbon neutrality in road transport. The research emphasizes the need for bespoke policy frameworks that take into account regional economic conditions, technological capabilities, and societal factors.
A new study finds that government plans for coal phase-out around the world include monetary compensation to affected parties, with a total estimated global cost of USD 200 billion. However, if China and India were to adopt similar plans, the cost would skyrocket to over USD 2 trillion. The researchers argue that international finance ...
A new study published in Journal of Neurotrauma found that more than 30% of patients with traumatic brain injury who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment recovered at least partial independence. The study suggests that a lifetime in a vegetative state or severe disability is not a common outcome even after a serious injury.
A new study found that cars release harmful flame retardants into the air, posing a significant public health risk. The researchers detected these chemicals in 101 cars, including suspected carcinogens like tris (1-chloro-isopropyl) phosphate, and linked warmer weather to higher concentrations.
Researchers argue that mobility data can help understand human-wildlife interactions and inform policy decisions on sustainability-related issues. They propose aggregating datasets without personal identifiers to make them accessible to researchers, benefiting both conservation and private companies.
Researchers used freely available AI chatbots to simulate a multidisciplinary workshop and found consistency in responses suggesting an online platform for pain science education. The study highlights the potential of AI to contribute to educational strategies and clinical research, leveling the field for resource-limited settings.
A new study by RMIT University found that only over a third of media organizations have an image-specific AI policy in place, highlighting the need for clearer guidelines. The research highlights the challenges of navigating generative AI technologies in visual journalism, including algorithmic bias and copyright concerns.
Two new Review articles explore AI's application in early cancer detection, highlighting its potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment selection. The articles emphasize the need for a robust, multi-disciplinary approach to integrate AI into medicine.
US pharmaceutical spending surged to $473.12 billion from 2011 to 2020, with diabetic medications accounting for a significant increase. The study found that antidiabetic agents were the most expensive therapeutic area, with Medicare and Medicaid contributing significantly to the costs.
A new study has identified alpha-1-antichymotrypsin as a blood protein marker that can predict delayed recovery of concussion in children. The study found that children with low levels of alpha-1-antichymotrypsin were more likely to experience delayed recovery, highlighting the potential for early diagnosis and targeted treatment.
A new study analyzing building footprints in US metropolitan areas identifies five distinct neighborhood types associated with varying socioeconomic and demographic traits. These neighborhoods differ in footprint size, shape, and placement, reflecting differences in population density, homeownership rates, and commuting habits.
A study by Michigan Medicine found that about 1% of older adults using traditional Medicare have used asynchronous patient portal messaging to prompt a bill from their doctor or other healthcare provider. Most e-visits were with primary care providers, mainly for managing high blood pressure and diabetes.
A study found significant decreases in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations and social inequities in California's air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Non-urban areas saw a 17% decrease, while urban areas experienced a 50% reduction, primarily due to reduced traffic.
A new study evaluates the use of tirzepatide in overweight/obese adults with type 1 diabetes, showing significant weight loss and improved glucose control. Tirzepatide also reduces insulin dose and increases time-in-range on continuous glucose monitoring.
A new study found that Meta's content moderation policies, including labeling and shadowbanning, were only partially effective in suppressing misinformation. Far-right and anti-vaccination accounts even saw an increase in engagement and followers after the policy announcements.
Researchers review advances and challenges in applying SLA to evaluate unconventional reservoirs, highlighting its simplicity and convenience. The study proposes modifications to address reservoir heterogeneity and suggests combining SLA with machine learning algorithms for improved accuracy.
Researchers argue that current automated toxicity detection methods can improve but require human intervention to review decisions. Companies can take steps to improve working conditions and platform cultures that prioritize kindness and respect.
Recent breakthroughs in spatial biology are threatened by legal disputes, hindering innovative companies from advancing new technologies and ideas. The authors urge the need for antitrust measures to prevent monopolistic behavior that could hinder patient care.
The study identifies areas with high carbon footprints, including those reliant on fossil fuels and manufacturing, highlighting the need for targeted economic assistance programs. The research provides a precise way to assess industrial composition, helping policymakers incorporate considerations into future policies.
Smarter eco-cities harness real-time data to address environmental challenges and implement innovative approaches for ecological conservation. However, high energy demands associated with AI and AIoT applications pose a challenge to attaining environmental objectives.
A new study published in JAMA highlights the need for federal regulations that prioritize patient outcomes when it comes to AI-powered tools in healthcare. The researchers argue that AI products in healthcare do not universally undergo evaluation for potential harm or benefit to patients, and propose a revision to the White House Execu...
New research from Texas McCombs found that startups have an outsized number of future citations, sparking more innovation in emerging industries like photovoltaic cells. Startups' inventions are more likely to be cited by universities and companies due to resource disparities, academic citations, and prior lawsuits.
West Virginia University has been awarded a $1 million National Science Foundation grant to drive energy technology and infrastructure development in the region. The initiative aims to identify pathways for workforce development and policy development that accelerates adoption of energy technologies.
A new commentary highlights that shifting focus from energy supply to consumption can effectively reduce carbon emissions and improve wellbeing. Reducing energy demand could save households and businesses money, create employment, and reduce emissions, while also limiting global warming in line with Paris Agreement targets.
A Princeton-led study found that most common clean energy procurement strategies are ineffective in reducing long-term emissions in the US. However, one approach called temporal matching can have a substantial effect when companies purchase clean energy hourly to match their real-time energy consumption.
A study by Lancaster University forecasts exponential growth in Artificial Intelligence over the next 15 years, with experts warning of corners being cut in safe AI development. The experts also predict that advances in technology will make it harder to distinguish truth from fiction, with potential ramifications for democracies.
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.
Researchers found that online reviews on Yelp were negatively impacted by the platform's transparent filter policy, resulting in fewer positive and shorter reviews. The study suggests that platforms must balance transparency with user engagement to maintain trust.
The UK government's new legislation could force tech companies to withdraw services from the country, leaving the NHS without secure messaging options. Patient care would suffer as a result, with doctors warning of an 'NHS wide problem immediately' if WhatsApp were to disappear.
A study by NTU Singapore researchers found that older adults who exercise with their spouse achieve lower physical activity levels. Personalised fitness feedback from trackers increased physical activity in these individuals, suggesting it may be more effective to encourage older adults to exercise individually.
Focused ion beam technology has numerous applications in material processing, microelectronics, and life sciences. The instrument uses a finely focused ion beam for nanoscale analysis, prototype creation, and material modification.
A recent study found that only 18% of US hospitals reported consistent COVID-19 reporting directives across government agencies. The research highlights the need for standardized protocols and automation to improve data submission efficiency and enhance public trust in healthcare.
The 15th annual horizon scan highlights 15 key conservation issues, including declining invertebrate populations and altering marine ecosystems. The study emphasizes the need for continued innovation in sustainable energy technologies to address climate change.
Researchers analyzed data from 15 million customers in nine states and found that people in lower socioeconomic tiers experience significantly longer power outage durations. The study suggests that poorer communities are more distant from critical infrastructure or require more significant repairs to power lines.
A new paper examines the challenges of adopting AI in the food industry, citing liability risks and potential costs, and proposes a temporary on-ramp to allow companies to trial AI technology while exploring benefits and mitigation strategies.
The report highlights six key recommendations to change course, including coordinated action to trigger positive tipping points. Averting the crisis and doing so equitably must be the core goal of COP28 and ongoing global cooperation.
Researchers used network ethnography to map global education policy networks, exploring relationships between policy mobilities and moorings. The study sheds light on the varied relationships between policy actors and their effects on education reforms.
Researchers from China University of Petroleum apply terahertz spectroscopy to characterize oil shale's anisotropy, organic distribution, and fingerprint spectrum. The method enables simultaneous characterization of main oil generation zones and natural gas zones.
A new framework demonstrates that proportionately more multi-homing consumers lead to significant efficiency gains when integrating two business platforms. However, this trend also creates higher barriers to entry for new platform firms and may require policy guidance to mitigate potential harms of platform mergers.
A recent cyberattack in southwestern Ontario highlights the need for clinicians and hospitals to improve their cybersecurity practices. Experts recommend navigating trade-offs between efficiency and risk reduction using the US National Institute of Standards and Technology's Cybersecurity Framework.
A phase 4 clinical trial found that apixaban, an anti-clotting medication, reduced the rate of stroke and blood clots in adults with implanted heart devices experiencing short bouts of asymptomatic, irregular heart rhythms. The study suggests that these individuals may benefit from receiving an anticoagulant.
A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.
A new analysis suggests that the US low-carbon transition is likely to create consistent job growth, particularly in the utilities and construction sectors. However, major fossil fuel-producing states may need to prepare for fewer mining jobs and plan carefully to ensure a 'just' transition for all workers.
A study by Penn State researchers found that only one-third of online organizations publish their privacy policies, highlighting the need for improvement. The researchers used a large-scale investigation to analyze the availability of privacy policies on millions of websites, revealing significant challenges in compliance.
A new UN study finds that global Bitcoin mining activities have substantial water and land footprints in addition to a significant carbon footprint. The top 10 Bitcoin mining countries are responsible for 92-94% of the global environmental impact.
The HY4RES project aims to develop hybrid renewable energy systems combining solar, wind, and pumped storage hydropower to provide energy self-sufficiency for communities. Researchers will conduct a life cycle sustainability assessment of the technologies' impacts on the Atlantic Area.
A new study predicts that solar power will dominate the global energy mix by the middle of this century due to rapid innovation in solar technology. However, four barriers, including stable power grids and political resistance, could hamper this transition, highlighting the need for policies to overcome these hurdles.
The UCLA Mobility Center of Excellence will conduct research on the impacts of new mobility technologies and highly automated vehicles on transportation systems. The center aims to improve efficiency, mobility, and sustainability by studying the long-term effects of emerging mobility technologies.
A systematic review of global guidelines for AI use found that most valued principles such as transparency, security, and justice. However, fewer guidelines prioritized truthfulness, intellectual property, and children's rights. Most guidelines were normative but lacked practical methods for implementation.
A recent study by Carnegie Mellon University and ShanghaiTech University found that China's government subsidies have had limited effect on promoting firms' productivity. The study analyzed firm-level data from 2007 to 2018 and found that subsidies often flowed to less productive firms, leading to a decline in their relative productivity.
Research highlights the challenges of rural hospital-based maternity unit closures and transportation barriers, leading to delays in care and adverse outcomes. The study suggests that telehealth services can provide a solution to address these disparities in maternal health outcomes.
A report by RMIT University found a significant gap in digital inclusion for First Nations people, with remote communities facing the largest disparities. The study highlights the need to address affordability and accessibility issues to ensure equal digital inclusion by 2026.
A new study by researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that Mexican cartels have between 160,000 and 185,000 members, making them the fifth largest employer in the country. Disrupting cartel recruitment is the only way to lower violence in Mexico, according to the research.
A new study from the University of Georgia found that people generally enjoy conversation over smartphone use, with a significant emotional boost from talking to strangers. In contrast, sitting alone was found to be the least preferred task, even when participants were given a choice.