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Top Picks: Latest Developments in Digital Information Headlines

Weekly round-up of data news from February 20, 2021, to February 26, 2021 encompasses articles focusing on enhancing environmental evaluations and utilizing machine learning for mental health diagnoses.

Daily Roundup: Highlights from the World of Data News
Daily Roundup: Highlights from the World of Data News

Top Picks: Latest Developments in Digital Information Headlines

In the ever-evolving world of technology, researchers and innovators continue to push the boundaries of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analysis. Here are some of the latest developments making headlines:

Machine Learning for Mental Health Diagnosis

Researchers at the University of Birmingham in England have made a significant breakthrough in mental health diagnosis. By utilising machine learning, they have developed a system that helps identify patients exhibiting a mix of psychotic and depressive symptoms with improved accuracy. This development could potentially streamline the diagnostic process and lead to more targeted treatments for patients.

Gig Economy Data Analysis

In San Francisco, city officials have acquired data from gig workers to gain a better understanding of the operations within the gig economy. This information could prove invaluable in shaping future policies and regulations that benefit both workers and the broader community.

Real-Time Flood Monitoring in New York

A collaborative effort between researchers from NYU, Science and Resilience Institute in NY, and CUNY has resulted in the creation of a data portal providing real-time information on local flooding patterns in Brooklyn and Jamaica Bay. This portal, which can be integrated into larger flood monitoring programs, offers residents timely information, reducing the need to call New York City's flood watch program.

AI Dominating Classic Video Games

Uber AI Labs, in collaboration with OpenAI, has developed reinforcement learning algorithms that have shown remarkable prowess in playing classic video games. These AI systems have been demonstrated to outperform human players and other AI systems in 55 Atari games, winning 85.5 percent of the time.

AI in Biotechnology

Insilico Medicine, a biotechnology company based in Hong Kong, is leveraging AI to find a new drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). This groundbreaking research could revolutionise the treatment of this debilitating disease.

Data Analysis in the Gig Economy

Drivers and bikers working for Uber, Lyft, and other gig economy firms are increasingly using tools to gather data, helping them spot pay discrepancies and decide when it's most profitable to sign onto a particular app. This trend underscores the growing importance of data analysis in the gig economy.

Misdiagnosis of Mixed Symptoms

In another study conducted by researchers at the University of Birmingham, it was found that patients with a mix of psychotic and depressive symptoms were more likely to be prescribed treatments for depression than psychosis. This finding highlights the need for continued research and improvement in mental health diagnosis and treatment.

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