Top Scientific Uses of AI - 2024

January 9, 2025

A Quick Summary of Key Scientific Uses of AI in 2024

Oh what a year AI had in 2024. Here are some positives – 5 of the top scientific uses. AI’s ability to process and analyze massive datasets at unprecedented speeds is revolutionizing science, making discoveries more efficient and impactful. 

 

1. Drug Discovery and Healthcare Research

Drug Discovery: AI models predict protein structures, accelerating drug design.

Personalized Medicine: AI analyzes genetic data to create patient-specific treatment plans.

Medical Imaging: AI enhances accuracy in detecting diseases like cancer, from MRI, CT, and X-ray scans.

Impact: Reduces the time and cost of bringing new drugs to market and improves diagnostic precision.


2. Climate Science and Environmental Research

Weather Prediction: AI improves the accuracy of forecasts and early warning systems for extreme weather events.

Climate Modeling: AI analyzes large datasets to refine climate change models and predict environmental impacts.

Wildlife Conservation: AI identifies species, using camera traps and monitors biodiversity using satellite imagery.

Impact: Helps mitigate climate change effects and supports sustainable development efforts.


3. Astronomy and Space Exploration

Exoplanet Discovery: AI sifts through astronomical data to identify exoplanets from light curves.

Space Mission Optimization: AI aids in planning and navigating space missions, such as rover paths on Mars

Galaxy Classification: AI automates the analysis of large-scale galaxy surveys.

Impact: Speeds up exploration and deepens our understanding of the universe.


4. Genomics and Biological Research

Genome Sequencing: AI identifies patterns in genetic data for disease research and agricultural improvements.

Synthetic Biology: AI designs DNA sequences for creating synthetic organisms with specific traits.

CRISPR Optimization: AI enhances the precision and efficiency of gene-editing tools.

Impact: Advances biotechnology, agriculture, and personalized healthcare.


5. Physics and Materials Science


Particle Physics: AI processes data from particle accelerators like CERN to detect rare events.

Materials Discovery: AI predicts properties of new materials for energy storage, electronics, and more.

Quantum Computing: AI helps optimize quantum algorithms and hardware.

Impact: Accelerates the discovery of materials and phenomena with real-world applications.


Honorable Mentions

Social Sciences: AI analyzes trends in human behavior, public health, and economics.

Archaeology: AI identifies hidden structures from satellite images and analyzes artifacts.

Agriculture: AI monitors crop health, optimizes irrigation, and predicts yields.

One of my favorite happy stories is the AI use to evaluate the vocalizations of whales. Researchers have identified patterns that might be “words” in whale communication. By training AI models on specific ocean sounds, patterns are discovered that may lead scientists to understand what and how whales, and ultimately other animals, communicate. 

2025 Game Changers

By Carolyn Schrader • January 22, 2025
Some splendid tech trends are going on. A research paper, 2025 Game Changers , was published by one of the news sources I follow - CB Insights https://www.cbinsights.com/newsletter/ . It was first published in September 2024 and listed again in January 2025. If you missed either, here are some of their insights for game changers in 2025. 1. AI weather prediction 2. Ultra-deep drilling 3. AI agent marketplaces 4. Advanced nuclear propulsion 5. Biocomputing 6. Brain manipulation tech 7. Quantum-optimized portfolio 8. Cellular & epigenetic reprograming 9. GPS-less navigation systems AI Weather Prediction Both local and global extreme weather may be more predictable with AI models. The World Economic Forum identified the #1 long-term global risk over the next 10 years to be extreme weather events. AI models are improving and may supplement or replace traditional physics-based models. AI Agent Marketplaces AI agents will likely become “plug and play” and interface with both internal and external agents of a company or organization. Simply, an AI agent is a software program that uses AI to perform its designated task or activity. An agent might be using sensors to gather data, use its knowledge to make a decision, or provide information when asked a question/prompt. Brain Manipulation Tech Research is underway to develop brain-computer interfaces/devices that will enable communication between the brain and an external device/computer. AI will work on the interpretation of brain signals. This technology could help motor-impaired patients. It may lead to the ability to learn more about how the brain operates with depression, ADHD, and more.  GPS-less navigation systems We generally take the benefits of GPS for granted, in many everyday activities. There is an increase threat to malicious interfacing with this technology. So researchers are working on alternatives. New systems are AltPNT – Alternative Positioning, Navigation, & Timing. A few options include 1) alternative space-based – commercial satellites at lower orbits than those uses for GPS, 2) Non-radio frequency system, such as magnetic, and 3) multi-sensor fusion which includes integration of several sources such as lidar and cellular systems.

AI Predictions for 2025

By Carolyn Schrader • January 9, 2025
2025 – the Year of AI (again) 

Looking for a good read on AI?

December 10, 2024
A host of books have been published recently covering all aspects of AI – tools, future impacts to society, highly scientific analyses, and more. If you are looking for a good read, here are some suggestions. The top sellers on Amazon, according to a ChatGPT prompt are: Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI by Yuval Noah Harari Harari explores the evolution of information networks, culminating in the rise of artificial intelligence. Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI by Ethan Mollick Mollick examines the integration of AI into daily life and work, offering insights into collaborative intelligence. The ChatGPT Millionaire: Making Money Online Has Never Been This EASY by Neil Dagger Dagger provides strategies for leveraging AI tools like ChatGPT to generate income online. The Singularity Is Nearer: When We Merge with AI by Ray Kurzweil Kurzweil discusses the impending convergence of humans and AI, predicting transformative technological advancements. The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-First Century’s Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman Suleyman addresses the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, including AI. Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit by Henry A. Kissinger Kissinger reflects on the philosophical and ethical implications of AI’s development. AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What It Can’t, and How to Tell the Difference by Arvind Narayanan Narayanan critically examines the capabilities and limitations of AI, debunking common misconceptions. AI Entrepreneur’s Handbook: Build a Profitable Business and Make Money by Unleashing the Power of ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence by Kartikeya Malhotra Malhotra offers guidance on creating AI-driven businesses using tools like ChatGPT. ChatGPT for Nonfiction Authors: How to Use ChatGPT to Write Better, Faster, and More Effectively by Hassan Osman Osman provides practical advice for nonfiction authors on utilizing ChatGPT to enhance their writing process. LLM Engineer’s Handbook: Master the Art of Engineering Large Language Models from Concept to Production by Paul Iusztin Iusztin delves into the engineering of large language models, offering a comprehensive guide from concept to deployment. Special Mention ChatGPT for Baby Boomers by Carolyn Schrader My book is tailored for curious Baby Boomers (and others!) who are new to AI. For additional popular AI books, check out these two sources: https://fivebooks.com/category/technology/artificial-intelligence/ https://usefulai.com/books - 26 Best Books on AI in 2024 (65+ Reviewed) Happy reading!
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