Artificial Intelligence
Researchers boost human mental function with brain stimulation
MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL, Nov. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a pilot human study, researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital show it is possible to improve specific human brain functions related to self-control and mental flexibility by merging artificial intelligence with targeted electrical brain stimulation.
Alik Widge, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry and member of the Medical Discovery Team on Addiction at the U of M Medical School, is the senior author of the research published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. The findings come from a human study conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston among 12 patients undergoing brain surgery for epilepsy — a procedure that places hundreds of tiny electrodes throughout the brain to record its activity and identify where seizures originate.
In this study, Widge collaborated with Massachusetts General Hospital’s Sydney Cash, MD, PhD, an expert in epilepsy research; and Darin Dougherty, MD, an expert in clinical brain stimulation. Together, they identified a brain region — the internal capsule — that improved patients’ mental function when stimulated with small amounts of electrical energy. That part of the brain is responsible for cognitive control — the process of shifting from one thought pattern or behavior to another, which is impaired in most mental illnesses.
“An example might include a person with depression who just can’t get out of a ‘stuck’ negative thought. Because it is so central to mental illness, finding a way to improve it could be a powerful new way to treat those illnesses,” Widge said.
The team developed algorithms, so that after stimulation, they could track patients’ cognitive control abilities, both from their actions and directly from their brain activity. The controller method provided boosts of stimulation whenever the patients were doing worse on a laboratory test of cognitive control.
“This system can read brain activity, ‘decode’ from that when a patient is having difficulty, and apply a small burst of electrical stimulation to the brain to boost them past that difficulty,” Widge said. “The analogy I often use is an electric bike. When someone’s pedaling but having difficulty, the bike senses it and augments it. We’ve made the equivalent of that for human mental function.”
The study is the first to show that:
- A specific human mental function linked to mental illness can be reliably enhanced using precisely targeted electrical stimulation;
- There are specific sub-parts of the internal capsule brain structure that are particularly effective for cognitive enhancement; and
- A closed-loop algorithm used as a controller was twice as effective than stimulating at random times.
Some of the patients had significant anxiety in addition to their epilepsy. When given the cognitive-enhancing stimulation, they reported that their anxiety got better, because they were more able to shift their thoughts away from their distress and focus on what they wanted. Widge says that this suggests this method could be used to treat patients with severe and medication-resistant anxiety, depression or other disorders.
“This could be a totally new approach in treating mental illness. Instead of trying to suppress symptoms, we could give patients a tool that lets them take control of their own minds,” Widge said. “We could put them back in the driver’s seat and let them feel a new sense of agency.”
The research team is now preparing for clinical trials. Because the target for improving cognitive control is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration for deep brain stimulation, Widge says this research can be done with existing tools and devices — once a trial is formally approved — and the translation of this care to current medical practice could be rapid.
“The wonderful thing about these findings is that we are now in a position to conduct clinical trials to further demonstrate effectiveness and then hopefully move to helping treatment-resistant patients who are in desperate need for additional interventions to treat their illnesses,” Dougherty said.
This work was supported by grants from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) under Cooperative Agreement Number W911NF-14-2-0045 issued by the Army Research Organization (ARO) contracting office in support of DARPA’s SUBNETS Program, the National Institutes of Health, Ellison Foundation, Tiny Blue Dot Foundation, MGH Executive Council on Research, OneMind Institute and the MnDRIVE and Medical Discovery Team on Addiction initiatives at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
###
About the University of Minnesota Medical School
The University of Minnesota Medical School is at the forefront of learning and discovery, transforming medical care and educating the next generation of physicians. Our graduates and faculty produce high-impact biomedical research and advance the practice of medicine. We acknowledge that the U of M Medical School, both the Twin Cities campus and Duluth campus, is located on traditional, ancestral and contemporary lands of the Dakota and the Ojibwe, and scores of other Indigenous people, and we affirm our commitment to tribal communities and their sovereignty as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with tribal nations. For more information about the U of M Medical School, please visit med.umn.edu.
Artificial Intelligence
Global Insurance Provider Selects 3CLogic to Streamline AI and Contact Center Capabilities with ServiceNow
Multinational Insurance Broker to deploy 3CLogic’s solution with ServiceNow’s Financial Service Operations (FSO) platform to streamline customer experiences.
ROCKVILLE, Md., April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — 3CLogic, the leading Conversational AI and Contact Center solution for ServiceNow®, today announced its selection by a global insurance provider to replace its existing contact center infrastructure as part of a larger CX transformation effort. The strategic decision is designed to complement the organization’s use of ServiviceNow’s Financial Services Operations (FSO) offering leveraged across a number of its existing product lines including Customer Warranty Claims, Roadside Assistance, and Home Warranties.
Serving millions of customers worldwide with innovative insurance and protective products, the organization required a solution that would enhance its recent investment in the ServiceNow platform as it works to transform its end-to-end customer service operations. The deployment will incorporate several of 3CLogic’s AI-powered capabilities purpose-built for ServiceNow, including Conversational AI, Speech Analytics, and AI Performance & Coaching, along with integrated call transcriptions, convenient 2-way SMS, and ServiceNow-centralized contact center reporting.
“We continue to see enterprises eager to complement their existing investment in digital platforms, such as ServiceNow, with contact center features purpose-built to extend the workflows and features they already have and use,” explains Matt Durkin, VP of Global Sales at 3CLogic. “It’s no secret that organizations are already juggling too many systems, often with overlapping capabilities, which impacts ROI and operational efficiency. We’re proud to offer an alternative approach that helps simplify the technology stack while optimizing the overall operational costs and outcomes.”
Recently named to Constellation Research’s 2024 Shortlist for Digital Customer Service and Support, 3CLogic has seen global adoption of its solution by leading enterprises in healthcare, manufacturing, travel, retail, higher education, finance, non-profits, and Managed Service Providers across five continents. As a ServiceNow-certified Technology and Build partner with offerings available for ServiceNow’s IT Service Management, Customer Workflows, HR Service Delivery, and Source-to-Pay solutions, the company will be unveiling its latest set of capabilities at ServiceNow’s annual Knowledge 2024 event this May in Las Vegas.
For more information, please contact [email protected].
About 3CLogic3CLogic transforms customer and employee experiences with its leading Cloud Contact Center and AI solutions purpose-built to enhance today’s leading CRM and Customer Service Management platforms. Globally available and leveraged by the world’s leading brands, its offerings empower enterprise organizations with innovative features such as intelligent self-service, generative and Conversational AI, agent automation & coaching, and AI-powered sentiment analytics – all designed to lower operational costs, maximize ROI, and optimize each interaction across IT Service Desks, Customer Support, Sales or HR Services teams. For more information, please visit www.3clogic.com.
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2318845/3CLogic_logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/global-insurance-provider-selects-3clogic-to-streamline-ai-and-contact-center-capabilities-with-servicenow-302127739.html
Leading Breast AI Company, creator of industry-leading Transpara®, promotes from within for new CEO
NIJMEGEN, Netherlands, April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — ScreenPoint Medical, today announced a significant transition in its leadership as Mark Koeniguer, the current CEO, steps down from his position. Mark served as CEO since 2022 and was instrumental in ScreenPoint’s commercial growth and success over the past 2 years.
The company’s Board of Directors has appointed Pieter Kroese as the new Chief Executive Officer effective April 25, 2024. Pieter takes the role after serving as COO of ScreenPoint for over five years. During that time, he has managed the transition of the company from an early startup to a thriving enterprise with hundreds of customers using ScreenPoint’s flagship Transpara software to support millions of scans a year.
“I am thrilled to lead ScreenPoint into its next phase of growth and innovation,” said Mr. Kroese. “I am deeply committed to building upon the strong foundation we have and continuing to work closely with our talented team to drive continued success. We are already expanding screening capacity and capability through proven reader support – we look forward to increasing our ability to support providers and women moving forward.”
Sir Michael Brady, Chairman of the Board at ScreenPoint Medical and a co-founder of the company, expressed enthusiasm about Pieter’s appointment, stating, “Pieter’s remarkable leadership qualities, coupled with his depth of knowledge of our product and industry, make him the perfect choice to lead ScreenPoint into the future. His strategic mindset and commitment to excellence align perfectly with our company mission of early breast cancer detection. Pieter has been an integral part of our growth to date and will provide seamless leadership through this transition into our next chapter for our customers, partners, and team.”
Author of “No Longer Radical” and over a hundred peer-reviewed publications on breast imaging, Dr. Rachel Brem is a Transpara user and ScreenPoint Board Member. Dr. Brem welcomed Mr. Kroese with the following: “Pieter has been an integral part of the ScreenPoint team for years. I am confident that his leadership will continue to deliver product excellence: earlier detection with outstanding reading workflow and improved patient outcomes. We continue to see these results from clinical sites all over the world, including many here in the United States. No other Breast AI solution has demonstrated the same results as Transpara, and I am confident that the team will continue to push on these frontiers under Pieter’s leadership.”
The entire team at ScreenPoint extends its gratitude to Mark Koeniguer and wishes him every success in the future, while warmly welcoming Pieter Kroese into his new role as CEO.
About ScreenPoint Medical
ScreenPoint Medical translates cutting edge machine learning research into technology accessible by radiologists to improve screening workflow, decision confidence and breast cancer risk assessment. Transpara is trusted by radiologists globally because it has been developed by experts in machine learning and image analysis and updated with user feedback from world-renowned breast imagers.
See all the proof at: https://screenpoint-medical.com/evidence.
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2397831/Pieter_Kroese_CEO_ScreenPoint_Medical.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1582198/ScreenPoint_Medical_Logo.jpg
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/screenpoint-medical-leadership-transition-pieter-kroese-confirmed-as-ceo-302127719.html
WESTFORD, Mass., April 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The growing need for automation, technological developments, and long-term cost reductions are driving a robust expansion in the worldwide robotics market. SkyQuest projects that Global Robotics Market size is poised to grow from USD 41.50 Billion in 2023 to USD 126.96 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 15% during the forecast period (2024-2031).
Download a detailed overview:
https://www.skyquestt.com/report/robotics-market
Browse in-depth TOC on the “Robotics Market”
Pages – 202Tables – 64Figures – 75Robotics Market Overview:
Report Coverage
Details
Market Revenue in 2023
$41.50 billion
Estimated Value by 2031
$126.96 billion
Growth Rate
Poised to grow at a CAGR of 15%
Forecast Period
2024–2031
Forecast Units
Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered
Application, End Users, and Region
Geographies Covered
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the world
Report Highlights
Collaborative Robotics
Key Market Opportunities
Prompting Several Industries to Adopt Automation Technologies
Key Market Drivers
Increasing Demand for Automation
Surge of Automation is Supporting Growth of Robotics Industry
The industrial sector is generating high revenues for the global robotics market owing to extensive automation in manufacturing, which increases productivity and lowers overall production costs. Assembly line, painting, and welding robots have become essential, thereby propelling substantial market expansion in the automotive, electronics, and heavy duty sectors. Due to the increased usage of robots for non-manufacturing functions such as customer service, shipping, and healthcare, the services sector is expanding quickly. This rapid growth is being driven by technological improvements and the push for automation in services.
Surge in Advance Robotics is Bolstering Market Growth
The use of robotics in manufacturing processes is growing, and innovation in this field is happening quickly worldwide. By increasing productivity, efficiency, and precision, advanced robotics technologies—such as AI-driven automation systems and collaborative robots, or cobots—are transforming the manufacturing sector. The dominance of manufacturing in the worldwide robotics market is fuelled by the integration of robotics into manufacturing facilities, which helps businesses remain competitive in today’s dynamic market scenario.
Rising Interest in Service Robotics is Driving Demand for Robotics in Asia Pacific
Due to the strong demand for industrial and service robots in the region, Asia Pacific now leads the global robotics industry. China, Japan, and South Korea are among the nations that have made significant investments in the robotics sector recently. The Middle East and Africa are anticipated to register the fastest-growing rate for the global robotics market. The expansion is ascribed to the region’s growing adoption of automation technology, especially in the manufacturing and logistics industries.
Request Free Customization of this report:
https://www.skyquestt.com/speak-with-analyst/robotics-market
Drivers:
Increasing Demand for AutomationAdvancements in AI and Machine Learning TechnologiesRestraints:
High Initial InvestmentsLack of Skilled WorkforceProminent Players in Global Robotics Market:
FANUC America Corporation (US)Epson Robotics (Japan)Staubli International AG (Switzerland)YRG Inc. (US)Comau S.p.A. (Italy)Northrop Grumman Corporation (US)Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan)Seiko Epson Corporation (Japan)Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. (Japan)Adept Technology, Inc. (US)View report summary and Table of Contents (TOC):
https://www.skyquestt.com/report/robotics-market
Key Questions Answered in Global Robotics Market Report
How big is the global robotics market, and what compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is it anticipated to deliver between 2024 and 2031?Which industries are fuelling the need for automation and fostering the expansion of the robotics sector?What impact have recent technological advancements and innovations had on the direction of the robotics market?Which well-known companies in the robotics industry are also major players in the global robotics market?This report provides the following insights:
Analysis of key drivers (increasing demand for automation across industries, improved the overall efficiency, productivity of the processes, demand for automation), restraints (high initial investments, difficult for small and medium-sized enterprises to invest, robots, sensors, and other equipment required not delivered), opportunities (advancements in AI and machine learning technologies, new opportunities for the robotics market, perform complex tasks with high accuracy), and challenges (lack of skilled workforce, maintenance of these robotics systems) influencing the growth of robotics marketMarket Penetration: Comprehensive information on the product portfolios offered by the top players in the robotics marketProduct Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming trends, R&D activities, and product launches in the robotics marketMarket Development: Comprehensive information on lucrative emerging regionsMarket Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, growing geographies, and recent developments in the marketCompetitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market segments, growth strategies, revenue analysis, and products of the leading market players.Related Reports:
Global Service Robotics Market
Global Soft Robotics Market
Global Warehouse Robotics Market
Global Cloud Robotics Market
Global Robotic Welding Market
About Us:
SkyQuest is an IP focused Research and Investment Bank and Accelerator of Technology and assets. We provide access to technologies, markets and finance across sectors viz. Life Sciences, CleanTech, AgriTech, NanoTech and Information & Communication Technology.
We work closely with innovators, inventors, innovation seekers, entrepreneurs, companies and investors alike in leveraging external sources of R&D. Moreover, we help them in optimizing the economic potential of their intellectual assets. Our experiences with innovation management and commercialization have expanded our reach across North America, Europe, ASEAN and Asia Pacific.
Contact:Mr. Jagraj SinghSkyquest Technology1 Apache Way,Westford,Massachusetts 01886USA (+1) 351-333-4748Email: [email protected] Our Website: https://www.skyquestt.com/
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/robotics-market-to-surpass-usd-126-96-billion-by-2031–skyquest-technology-302127230.html
-
Uncategorized6 days agoGenerative AI gold rush drives IT spending — with payoff in question
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
Do underwriters trust artificial intelligence?
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
Hans Jonas on Responsibility in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
Meta AI Assistant Adds Website, Expands Beyond US
-
Artificial Intelligence6 days agoFree Your Hands, QIDI Vida Smart AR Glasses Lead the Way in New Sports Experience.
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
Can artificial intelligence reduce vehicle time to market?
-
Artificial Intelligence5 days agoAurionpro Solutions acquires Arya.ai, to power next generation Enterprise AI platforms for Financial Institutions
-
Uncategorized6 days ago
The Ottawa Hospital doctors to try AI for patient notes
