Latest news with #ArtificialIntelligence
Fast Company
12 hours ago
- Health
- Fast Company
Ear wax may hold the key to early Parkinson's diagnosis
An unlikely body byproduct may be able to help doctors diagnose Parkinson's Disease early. According to a new Chinese study, which was published in Analytical Chemistry, ear canal secretion, or ear wax, contain chemical compounds which can be telltale signs of Parkinson's. During the study, researchers examined ear canal secretions from 209 people. About half (108 of the participants) had Parkinson's. In their examinations, scientists were able to identify four volatile organic compounds (VOC) that were notably different in those with the disease. Those compounds, or biomarkers, were ethylbenzene, 4-ethyltoluene, pentanal, and 2-pentadecyl-1,3-dioxolane. The scientists then trained an artificial intelligence olfactory (AIO) system on the biomarker data. And once training was complete, the AIO system was able to successfully determine which patients had Parkinson's and which did not. The system was accurate 94% of the time. Currently, Parkinson's is a tough disease to diagnose. According to Mayo Clinic, it requires expensive imaging, neurological tests, blood tests, genetic testing, and more. And often, a diagnosis is still often not conclusive. Likewise, treatment is a work-in-progress, with current therapies aimed at slowing progression rather than curing it. Therefore, ear wax testing could be a breakthrough first-step screening tool that's inexpensive, noninvasive, and accessible. The researchers who worked on the study say the findings are a major step in Parkinson's early detection, which currently, doesn't exist, but that more research is needed. 'This method is a small-scale single-center experiment in China,' study coauthor Hao Dong said in a press release. Hoa Dong continued, 'The next step is to conduct further research at different stages of the disease, in multiple research centers and among multiple ethnic groups, in order to determine whether this method has greater practical application value.'
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Artificial intelligence or inflated illusion? Why 62% of Gen Z are not buying the AI dream
Artificial Intelligence, often sobriqueted as a magic wand in the tech world and a saviour technology, is facing an identity crisis. Long billed as the crown jewel of 21st-century innovation, its shine is waning, especially among Generation Z. The generation known for growing up on screens and swiping through knowledge is now casting a skeptical eye on the current, emerging definition of the "future of work." According to GoTo's Pulse of Work 2025 report, 62% of Gen Z workers believe AI is significantly overhyped. That's not a passing complaint, it's a cultural reckoning. In an age where tech solutions are expected to be both omnipresent and omnipotent, AI's reality hasn't lived up to its relentless publicity. But why is the so-called "AI native" generation, who feeds excessively on a digital diet, crying wolf on AI? The answer resides not in ignorance, but in critical scrutiny. Gen Z is not anti-tech, they're anti-hype Is Generation Z, the most tech-prowess generation apprehensive of the potential of Artificial Intelligence? No. As the headlines have often dominated and well-labelled the current generation to be the most rebellious, continuously challenging the status quo. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Memperdagangkan CFD Emas dengan salah satu spread terendah? IC Markets Mendaftar Undo It is slightly unbelievable on their part to be afraid of a technology that helps them become more productive. T his generation has seen the full lifecycle of tech trends, from meteoric rises to embarrassing crashes. From the crypto bubble to the metaverse misfires, Gen Z has learned that not all that glitters in tech is gold. So when it comes to AI, they're not mesmerized by the buzz, they're asking the hard questions. Is AI error-free? Not quite. Does it understand context? Rarely. Can it replace human empathy or judgment? Certainly not. And so, instead of blindly keeping machines over humans, Gen Z workers are taking a beat. They are cross-checking AI results, validating claims, and challenging assumptions. It is this instinct to 'trust, but verify' that is demarcating them from older generations who may view AI as a turnkey solution. According to the GoTo report, 68% of workers believe AI is misrepresented as flawless and infallible, while 64% say it's wrongly touted as a one-size-fits-all fix. Gen Z is not falling into the trap. They have learnt it better not to place blind faith in an algorithm with a knowledge cutoff and no conscience. AI isn't delivering on the ground With all of the AI talking, there is another interesting revelation in the report. And, here's the catch: 86% of employees across generations admit they're not using AI to its full potential, with Gen Z clocking in at a surprising 78%. The reasons are as compelling as troubling. For freshers, 74% of Gen Z workers have agreed they are not very conversant with the practical applications of AI in their own roles. While they know how to generate content using ChatGPT or automate a workflow with Zapier, they grapple to marry these tools to measurable business outcomes. Many are simply utilising AI for surface-level tasks, like, emails, edits, maybe a bit of ideation, but for not for high-impact work like strategic planning or analytical decision-making. So yes, the toolbox is there. Is it gathering dust? Not literally. However, as the saying goes, "having the keys to the kingdom means nothing if you don't know which door to open.' Underutilization: A missed opportunity worth trillions The cost of this underutilization is staggering. According to GoTo, employees waste 2.6 hours per day—13 hours per week—on tasks AI could easily handle, amounting to a potential $2.9 trillion in annual productivity gains for U.S. businesses alone. That's not just a dent in efficiency, it's a canyon-sized crater. Yet, even with a different picture that is presented, the Generation Z remains unconvinced. It is not the fact that they are treating AI as the scapegoat. However, they are not absolutely fanatical about its potential. The reason? They are weighing AI by not its theoretical promises but its practica traction. According to them, the reality meeting the hype is a far cry. Why Gen Z isn't putting AI to work (yet) The Generation that is often labelled as 'lazy' and unwilling to work is apprehensive of putting AI to work. Is this an ingrained psyche, or does the stance carry weight? Here are a few reasons that substantiate the reason young workforce is not trusting the bots. Lack of contextual training Even the most intuitive AI tool is only as effective as the person operating it. The report reveals that 82% of employees aren't confident in applying AI to everyday work scenarios, and 87% say they haven't received proper training. Yes, Generation Z is tech prowess but it is a false belief that they do not need training. They need guidance, not just to access, but to make AI work for them. Trust deficit While AI is the talk of the town, its famous anecdotes of inaccuracy and errors is not completely unheard of. Hence, 86% of employees aren't confident in the accuracy and reliability of AI tools. Gen Z, in particular, has seen AI hallucinate answers, spread misinformation, and struggle with nuance. They'd rather do the legwork themselves than gamble on flawed outputs. Misaligned use cases AI has taken birth to automate repetitive tasks, many Gen Z users are experimenting with it in emotionally sensitive or ethically grey areas, like conflict resolution or strategic planning where it is deemed to falter. This mismatch further reinforces their belief that AI is not all it is cracked up to be. Bridging the chasm: Turning skepticism into strategy The ordeal is not that Gen Z doesn't believe in AI; it is that they are screaming no to using it blindly. With the apprehension of AI replacing humans floating around, they know it is a shallow stance. And perhaps, that is a clarion call for the corporate world. To unlock AI's full potential, companies must meet Gen Z where they are: Provide targeted training that's tailored to roles, not generic toolkits. Craft smart policies that offer clarity, not just control. Democratize access to advanced tools, especially in smaller organizations where the adoption gap is steep. With 61% of workers stating they'd prefer advanced AI tools over office perks, the message is clear: If companies want buy-in, they need to invest not just in tech, but in trust, training, and transparency. A generation that demands more than hype Gen Z's skepticism is not a roadblock; it is a much-needed reality check. As the first generation to truly grow up alongside technology, they are uniquely positioned to ask the right questions: What does this tool actually solve? And at what cost? Their critical lens is not an indictment of technology, but a call to use it wisely. Rather than clapping for every algorithmic advance, these digital natives are urging both technologists and employers to ensure that AI is transparent, trustworthy, and truly transformative. They are not shrugging off the presence or even potential of AI, they are raising the bar for it. In an era rushing headlong toward automation, Gen Z is not slamming the brakes. They are simply steering us toward a more thoughtful, human-centered future, where intelligence, artificial or otherwise, is held to account. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! 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TECHx
17 hours ago
- Business
- TECHx
MBZUAI and Sorbonne Partner on Artificial Intelligence
Home » Emerging technologies » Artificial Intelligence » MBZUAI and Sorbonne Partner on Artificial Intelligence Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) announced a strategic academic partnership to enhance collaboration in Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, education, and ethics. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed yesterday at the MBZUAI campus by Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President, and Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, SUAD Chancellor, in the presence of senior leaders from both universities. The partnership aims to support MBZUAI's vision of becoming a global center for AI innovation and research. It also aligns with SUAD's Center for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), which operates from Abu Dhabi and Paris. Led by Professor Gérard Biau, SCAI contributes to advancing AI in Europe and the UAE and promotes interdisciplinary AI excellence. The MoU includes joint research initiatives focused on applying Artificial Intelligence across sectors such as healthcare, energy, climate science, transportation, and digital humanities. Both universities will co-supervise Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers to help develop advanced AI talent. Faculty and researcher exchanges will promote interdisciplinary knowledge sharing and enhance education. The collaboration also plans to upskill professionals and youth through joint courses, workshops, and summer schools covering AI fundamentals, generative AI, and AI ethics. Professor Eric Xing said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to the responsible development of AI technology. He highlighted the goal of combining MBZUAI's research expertise with SUAD's interdisciplinary strengths to foster AI knowledge exchange between France and the UAE, focusing on the cultural applications of AI. Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz reported that this formal collaboration strengthens the UAE's AI ecosystem. She noted the partnership links two key research centers with the objective of advancing AI innovation and supporting the nation's economic and industrial growth. The agreement also calls for engagement with public and private sector partners to apply AI solutions to real-world challenges. Furthermore, the universities will contribute to ethical AI frameworks and data governance guidelines. Plans include producing white papers, best practices, and policy research to shape responsible AI use regionally and globally. Attending the signing from MBZUAI were Professor Sami Haddadin, Vice President for Research; Dekyi Liang, Vice President and Chief of Staff; and Joni Cholwich, Senior Advisor. From SUAD, attendees included Dr. Majed Al Khemeiri, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs; Dr. Clio Chaveneau, Head of SAFIR Research Institute; and Manon Al Hakim, Chief of Staff. This MoU marks a significant step in uniting two of the UAE's leading AI institutions to combine expertise, empower talent, and position the UAE as a global hub for Artificial Intelligence innovation and transformation. Partnership supports UAE's national AI priorities in research and education Joint initiatives span healthcare, energy, climate, and transportation sectors Focus on ethical AI development, education, and cross-border collaboration
Zawya
20 hours ago
- Health
- Zawya
Department of Municipalities and Transport highlights the role of AI and digitalisation in workplace safety
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is set to host the Occupational Health and Safety Week 2025 from 23 to 27 June. The event will feature a two-day forum exploring the theme Growth in Artificial Intelligence and Digitalisation: A Leap in the Right Direction for Workplace Safety and Health. The two-day forum highlights the Department's commitment to leveraging digital technologies and artificial intelligence to create safe and sustainable work environments. By incorporating advanced tools such as big-data analytics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and augmented and virtual reality, the forum aims to enhance performance efficiency, reduce workplace accidents and injuries, and improve risk prediction and management. Through panel discussions and specialised workshops, the event demonstrates DMT's commitment to building expertise, sharing knowledge, and enhancing partnerships at both local and international levels. These initiatives are aligned with the National Strategy for Occupational Health and Safety, and Abu Dhabi's Occupational Health and Safety System, all designed to minimise risks, improve workplace conditions, and support employee well-being. The dynamic forum will bring together leading local and international experts and provide attendees with opportunities to discover the best global and regional practices from organisations such as the International Institute of Risk Management, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Khalifa University, and the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility). Panel discussions and contributions from entities such as Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, and Abu Dhabi Ports will focus on initiatives aimed at optimising workplace standards and promoting employee health and satisfaction. Emphasising the forum's strategic importance, HE Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at DMT, said: "The second edition of the Occupational Health and Safety Week underscores our ongoing efforts to creating safer, healthier workplaces by leveraging digitalisation and artificial intelligence as transformative tools to enhance safety standards and improve employee well-being." The event will conclude with a discussion session to review key learnings and deliver recommendations to advance Abu Dhabi's occupational health and safety systems. These efforts aim to strengthen institutional integration while supporting the Emirate's vision for sustainable development and digitally adaptive communities, fostering safer and more resilient workplaces, in line with global best practices. As part of this year's activities, the Department and its affiliates will conduct various awareness campaigns aimed at elevating workplace wellbeing and safety standards across the Emirate.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Lokesh meets Tony Blair, seeks support in implementing education reforms
Minister for IT and Electronics and Human Resources Development, Nara Lokesh has met former British Prime Minister and founder of the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change (TBI), Tony Blair, in New Delhi on Thursday (June 19, 2025). This is their second meeting in just about a year, the first being in July last year in Mumbai, when Mr. Blair expressed his willingness to help the Andhra Pradesh (AP) government in adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies in the education sector and public service delivery through the TBI, for which the two sides had signed an agreement in December 2024. As per the agreement, the TBI has sent a team that is enabling the Andhra Pradesh Government to implement a slew of reforms in higher education, and helping it in the establishment of a Global Institute for Good Governance (GiGG). Mr. Blair and Mr. Lokesh took stock of the progress made by the A.P. Government on those fronts, and discussed collaboration in areas like skill development and skill census among others issues. Blair urged to join advisory board of GiGG On the occasion, Mr. Lokesh invited Mr. Blair to join the advisory board of GiGG. Besides, an agreement has been signed between the A.P. Government and TBI for cooperation in skill training and the establishment of GiGG. Mr. Blair said the TBI is going to take part in the upcoming Conclave of State Education Ministers to be held in Visakhapatnam in August. The Andhra Pradesh Government Secretary (School Education, Skills Development & Training) Kona Sasidhar and representatives of the TBI were present.
