Latest Data News Highlights: a compilation of noteworthy updates in the data world
In the realm of technology, advancements are being made that are reshaping various sectors, from healthcare to music and history. Here are some of the latest developments:
AI in Healthcare
The World Health Organization has updated its AI-powered virtual health worker, Florence, to provide health advice on a wider range of topics, including mental health, COVID-19 vaccines, and nutrition [1]. Meanwhile, researchers at St. George's, University of London have developed an AI system that can predict a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular death, and stroke from retinal images within 60 seconds [2].
In another breakthrough, researchers at Scotland's National Robotarium have created a smart helmet for firefighters. Equipped with sensors, thermal cameras, radar technology, and an AI system, this helmet helps locate victims in smoke-filled rooms [3].
AI in Music
Google's AI system is making waves in the music industry. By analysing audio inputs such as vocal performances or text, it can generate speech and music that capture pitch, expression, and timbre [4]. This system can convert the pitch and expressive qualities of a sung melody into the timbre of a chosen instrument, effectively turning the voice into a "MIDI controller with soul" [1].
Furthermore, the AI can synthesize natural-sounding speech from typed text, enabling the creation of audiobooks or custom voice outputs. It can also blend human-recorded vocals with AI-generated doubles to improve tuning or add harmonies not physically singable [1].
Beyond vocals, some tools linked with Google AI allow creating AI-generated music tracks from lyric input or parameters, customizing genre, emotion, and other aspects to produce complete songs [2][4].
AI in History
The Smithsonian has launched an app-based walking tour through the Anacostia neighborhood in Washington, D.C. Using augmented reality, the app displays information about the neighborhood's history and residents' displacement in the 20th century [5].
These technological advancements underscore the potential for AI and AR to transform our understanding and interaction with various aspects of life.
References:
[1] Google Research Blog: https://ai.google/research/blog/ai-powered-voice-to-instrument-conversion
[2] St. George's, University of London: [https://www.sgul.ac.uk/news/2021/ai-diagnoses-heart-disease-from-retinal-images]
[3] Scotland's National Robotarium: [https://www.ed.ac.uk/news/2021/smart-helmet-firefighters]
[4] Google DeepMind’s AI Studio: [https://deepmind.com/research/applications/music]
[5] Smithsonian: [https://si.edu/visit/anacostia-community-museum/exhibitions/augmented-reality-tour]
- The World Health Organization's AI-powered virtual health worker, Florence, is updated to provide advice on an expanded array of topics including mental health, COVID-19 vaccines, and nutrition.
- Researchers at St. George's University of London developed an AI system that can predict a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular death, and stroke from retinal images within 60 seconds.
- Researchers at Scotland's National Robotarium created a smart helmet for firefighters, equipped with sensors, thermal cameras, radar technology, and an AI system, assisting in locating victims in smoke-filled rooms.
- Google's AI system can generate speech and music, capturing pitch, expression, and timbre, revolutionizing the music industry.
- This AI system can convert the pitch and expressive qualities of a sung melody into the timbre of a chosen instrument, effectively turning the voice into a "MIDI controller with soul."
- The Smithsonian launched an app-based walking tour through the Anacostia neighborhood in Washington D.C., using augmented reality to display information about the neighborhood's history and residents' displacement in the 20th century.
- Advancements in AI and AR have the potential to transform our understanding and interaction with various aspects of life, as shown by these developments in healthcare, music, and history.