Top Tier Highlights: The Latest Breaking News in Data Journalism
In the realm of artificial intelligence (AI), innovative solutions are being developed to address pressing global challenges across various sectors. From environmental issues to healthcare improvement and technological enhancement, AI is making a significant impact.
In the field of environmental conservation, AI is proving to be a valuable tool in the fight against climate change. For instance, researchers at the Open University of Catalonia have created an AI system that can distinguish between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in MRIs, reducing the need for unnecessary medical imaging and lowering carbon emissions associated with imaging procedures [1].
Elsewhere, efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions are underway. Meta has developed a new formula for concrete for its data centers, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent during manufacturing [2]. Similarly, concrete, which accounts for 8 percent of global carbon dioxide emissions due to energy consumption and chemical reactions during manufacturing, is being targeted for improvement [3].
In the healthcare sector, AI is enhancing sustainability in public healthcare supply chains. By integrating information systems, AI improves supply logistics, reduces waste, and ensures timely delivery of critical materials, leading to safer and more efficient medical operations [4].
Technological advancements are also being driven by AI. Innovations like the Dress Up tool, introduced by Snapchat, use machine learning models to turn images into 3D models, revolutionizing the way we interact with digital content [5].
Moreover, AI is being harnessed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Department of Public Health has launched a chatbot on WhatsApp that can answer COVID-19 questions in English and Spanish, providing vital information about vaccine safety, health recommendations, and digital vaccine records [6]. Louisiana's Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has estimated that coastal communities in Louisiana will likely face $5.5 billion in damages from storm surges by 2023 without additional mitigation efforts [7]. To combat this, AI-driven predictive models can help anticipate and prepare for such disasters, thereby reducing potential damages.
Collectively, these applications demonstrate AI’s potential to promote sustainable development, improve human health outcomes, and accelerate technological progress while encouraging energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on these critical areas is expected to grow, offering hope for a more sustainable and healthier future.
[1] https://www.open.ac.uk/news/ai-can-help-distinguish-between-alzheimers-and-mild-cognitive-impairment-in-mris [2] https://www.meta.com/news/meta-invests-in-carbon-capture-technology/ [3] https://www.worldcoal.org/concrete-emissions/ [4] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-55130-0 [5] https://techcrunch.com/2021/02/16/snapchat-dress-up-shopping-hub/ [6] https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19-Chatbot.aspx [7] https://coastal.la.gov/our-work/coastal-master-plan/coast-2050/hazard-risk-analysis/
- In the realm of environmental conservation, machine learning is proving to be a valuable tool in the fight against climate change, as demonstrated by the AI system at the Open University of Catalonia that distinguishes between mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease in MRIs.
- AI is also making a significant impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, such as Meta's new formula for concrete for its data centers, which reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 40 percent during manufacturing.
- In the healthcare sector, AI is enhancing sustainability in public healthcare supply chains by improving supply logistics, reducing waste, and ensuring timely delivery of critical materials, leading to safer and more efficient medical operations.
- Technological advancements, like the Dress Up tool introduced by Snapchat, are being driven by AI. This tool uses machine learning models to turn images into 3D models, revolutionizing the way we interact with digital content.
- AI is being harnessed to address the COVID-19 pandemic, with the California Department of Public Health launching a chatbot on WhatsApp that can answer COVID-19 questions in English and Spanish, providing vital information about vaccine safety, health recommendations, and digital vaccine records. This AI-driven tool supports energy efficiency by reducing the need for in-person consultations.
