AI can ‘safely’ read breast cancer scans, study claims
Artificial intelligence (AI) can “safely” read breast cancer screening images, a preliminary study suggests. Researchers found computer-aided detection could spot cancer in mammograms – X-ray pictures of the breast – at a “similar rate” to two radiologists. The NHS is already looking at how it can implement such technology in its breast screening programme. However, the authors of the study said the results are “not enough on their own to confirm that AI is ready to be implemented in mammography screening”. Sky News
Medical clinics are using fake Google reviews to boost their profiles online, a BBC investigation has found. Consumer groups say fake reviews are a “significant and persistent problem” and have called on internet firms to do more to remove them and fine companies. Which? has warned it could be a serious issue if someone chooses a treatment clinic based on reading a fake review. The government said it was toughening the law to protect consumers, while Google said it removed fake reviews. Fake reviews can be bought online and have been known to appear on Amazon, Trustpilot and the App Store. BBC
The UK intelligence agencies are lobbying the government to weaken surveillance laws they argue place a “burdensome” limit on their ability to train artificial intelligence models with large amounts of personal data. The proposals would make it easier for GCHQ, MI6 and MI5 to use certain types of data but privacy experts and civil liberties groups have expressed alarm at the move, which would unwind some of the legal protection introduced in 2016 after disclosures by Edward Snowden about intrusive state surveillance. The Guardian
Google is reportedly planning to “supercharge” its virtual personal assistant software with the inclusion of new generative artificial intelligence features similar to those in chatbots like Bard and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Work on the new version of Google Assistant has begun with the mobile version of the product, Axios first reported, citing an internal e-mail sent to employees. The tech giant is reportedly reorganising its team working on Assistant with an anticipated elimination of “a small number of roles”. Independent
Airports and supermarket deliveries could become greener and more efficient, thanks to a £8 million Government competition to support hydrogen-powered transport in the North East. The Transport Secretary has today (2 August) announced two winning projects of the second phase of the competition, encouraging more businesses and innovators to develop new technology that uses hydrogen fuel to accelerate transport decarbonisation. One project led by ULEMCo, receiving a share of the £8 million funding, will develop hydrogen-powered airport ground-based support vehicle. Tech Digest
Lithium is the cornerstone of the 21st century. It’s in every home in every town, powering every toy, phone, computer, tool or car that needs to be recharged…Used correctly – as they are countless billions of times per day, all over the world, without incident – batteries containing lithium are safe. But very occasionally, often through damage or misuse, the enormous energy stored in them is unleashed in an uncontrolled, dangerous way, putting anyone nearby in grave danger.“We’re seeing a lithium fire every other day,” says deputy commissioner Dom Ellis from London Fire Brigade. “It’s a 60 per cent rise on last year – a real emerging hazard.” Telegraph
