AI Quantifies Pain, Counters Conspiracies, and Powers Google’s Energy Goals

AI is transforming pain assessment, aiding in conspiracy theory interventions, and advancing Google’s energy initiatives. Tools like PainChek are revolutionizing pain measurement, while strategies to counter conspiracy theories are being developed. Google’s ambitious 2030 energy goals are being driven by AI-powered technologies.

AI in Pain Measurement

Researchers are developing AI-driven tools to objectively measure pain, a traditionally subjective vital sign. PainChek, a smartphone app, analyzes facial muscle movements to assess pain levels and has already been cleared by regulators across three continents, logging over 10 million assessments. The question remains: how will algorithms influence pain treatment?

Combating Conspiracy Theories

Witnessing a loved one fall into conspiracy theories can be challenging. Niall Firth explores strategies to help them reconsider their beliefs, consulting with social psychology professor Sander van der Linden from the University of Cambridge for practical advice. This is part of MIT Technology Review’s series “The New Conspiracy Age.”

Google’s 2030 Energy Goals

Google is pushing forward with its ambitious 2030 energy goals. At EmTech MIT, Lucia Tian, head of advanced energy technologies at Google, discussed with James Temple the company’s growing energy demands and the technologies being explored to meet them, especially with the rapid rise of AI.