New research reveals that enhancing cognitive control in the brain using artificial intelligence may help treat mental illnesses. Even when the brain operates normally, there are significant trade-offs, with strengths generally accompanied by deficits. We need to be able to change gears so we don’t get caught in one loop. That’s cognitive control — the ability to guide one’s thoughts and attention. Deep brain stimulation is already used to treat numerous illnesses, and this strategy may leverage the same technology with AI control. Read full article here
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
