In 1715, “The Night Watch” painting by Rembrandt was mutilated to fit on one of the walls of Amsterdam’s City Hall. It was cut down, and the fragments were lost to time. However, through the magic of AI, it was partially restored; three neural networks (machine learning systems) were trained to “paint” pieces derived from another painter’s copy in the style of Rembrandt. Although they seem to have succeeded, the fragments won’t be a permanent addition out of respect for the old master.
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Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
