September 2, 2023
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SMB
Let’s Talk Business: Can AI help your small business?
The Emporia Gazette, 09/02/23. Artificial intelligence (AI) has undoubtedly become a powerful tool that can automate mundane tasks and improve efficiency. However, some jobs require a human touch for better results. While AI can assist with customer service by answering basic queries, complex issues still necessitate the intervention of a live support agent. Similarly, AI can aid in content creation but understanding the audience and ensuring brand identity are tasks best suited to humans. Additionally, AI can automate aspects of hiring, but finding the right fit for the company culture requires human judgment. Ultimately, AI should be utilized as a tool alongside human expertise for optimal outcomes. READ THE ARTICLE
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Sensors
AI ‘nose’ predicts smells from molecular structures
Science X, 09/02/23. Scientists have developed a groundbreaking tool that can predict the smell of a molecule based on its structure. This innovative technology can differentiate between molecules that look different but smell the same, as well as molecules that look similar but have completely different smells. The tool, based on machine learning, creates an “odor map” that will benefit synthetic chemists in the food and fragrance industries. It has the potential to lead to the production of more sustainable flavors and fragrances, while also providing researchers with countless new possibilities for discovering odorants. READ THE ARTICLE
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Art
Global controversy after AI art-win prompts rule changes at Colorado State Fair
Greeley Tribune, 09/02/23. The art world was captivated when Pueblo-based designer Jason Allen used the artificial intelligence software Midjourney to create the groundbreaking “Théâtre D’opéra Spatial.” However, judges for the Colorado State Fair’s art competition were unaware of Allen’s use of AI until after the piece had won the Blue Ribbon. This led to a global discussion about the ethical and copyright issues surrounding AI art. To ensure transparency, this year’s State Fair has implemented new rules requiring artists to disclose whether they used AI. Despite controversy, Allen continues to explore AI art and has launched his own AI art company. READ THE ARTICLE
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Publishing
Books on mushroom foraging written by AI may have disastrous consequences
The Jerusalem Post, 09/02/23. A recent investigation by The Guardian has exposed the presence of AI-written books on mushroom picking that contain misleading and potentially dangerous advice. These AI-produced books, being sold on platforms like Amazon.com, are masquerading as works of human authors. The issue is particularly prevalent in the travel and food sections, with titles such as “Wild Mushroom Cookbook” and “The Supreme Mushrooms Books Field Guide of the South-West.” Originality.ai, a company testing for AI content, confirmed that these books have a 100% probability of not being the work of humans. Experts in the field have criticized these books for their nonsensical and incorrect statements, which could lead to serious consequences for amateur foragers. READ THE ARTICLE
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Environment
AI has a big, dirty problem that is tarnishing Big Tech’s environmental image
Business Insider, 09/02/23. The increasing development and deployment of AI capabilities by big tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Meta is bringing to light the environmental hazards associated with this technology. From power-hungry GPUs used to train AI models to energy and water-intensive data centers, AI is posing a significant environmental burden. While these companies claim to offset this burden through various sustainability programs, experts suggest that it may largely be clever marketing. To truly address sustainability concerns, alternatives like mesh networks and indigenous data privacy initiatives could be explored, focusing on smaller-scale sustainable technological innovations. READ THE ARTICLE