FDA clears AI software for fetal ultrasound

BioticsAI has received FDA approval for its AI software that detects fetal abnormalities in ultrasound images. The technology aims to improve diagnostic accuracy and clinical workflows.

Founded by CEO Robhy Bustami, the company applies computer vision to enhance ultrasound quality and automated reporting. Development focused on consistent performance across diverse patient populations.

The software helps assess image quality and anatomical completeness, and generates automated reports. Bustami emphasised the importance of reliable performance for high-risk demographics.

With regulatory approval, BioticsAI plans nationwide adoption across health systems. Additional features for fetal medicine and reproductive health are also under development.

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WordPress AI team outlines SEO shifts

Industry expectations around SEO are shifting as AI agents increasingly rely on existing search infrastructure, according to James LePage, co-lead of the WordPress AI team at Automattic.

Search discovery for AI systems continues to depend on classic signals such as links, authority and indexed content, suggesting no structural break from traditional search engines.

Publishers are therefore being encouraged to focus on semantic markup, schema and internal linking, with AI optimisation closely aligned to established long-tail search strategies.

Future-facing content strategies prioritise clear summaries, ranked information and progressive detail, enabling AI agents to reuse and interpret material independently of traditional websites.

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Why AI adoption trails in South Africa

South Africa’s rate of AI implementation is roughly half that of the US, according to insights from Specno. Analysts attribute the gap to shortages in skills, weak data infrastructure and limited alignment between AI projects and core business strategy.

Despite moderate AI readiness levels, execution remains a major challenge across South African organisations. Skills shortages, insufficient workforce training and weak organisational readiness continue to prevent AI systems from moving beyond pilot stages.

Industry experts say many executives recognise the value of AI but struggle to adopt it in practice. Constraints include low IT maturity, risk aversion and organisational cultures that resist large-scale transformation.

By contrast, companies in the US are embedding AI into operations, talent development and decision-making. Analysts say South Africa must rapidly improve executive literacy, data ecosystems and practical skills to close the gap.

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AI-generated song removed from Swedish rankings

Sweden has removed a chart-topping song from its official rankings after ruling it was mainly created using AI. The track had attracted millions of streams on Spotify within weeks.

Industry investigators found no public profile for the artist, later linking the song to executives at a music firm using AI tools. Producers insisted that technology merely assisted a human-led creative process.

Music organisations say AI-generated tracks threaten existing industry rules and creator revenues. The decision intensifies debate over how to regulate AI in cultural markets.

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AI becomes the starting point for everyday online tasks

Consumers across the US are increasingly starting everyday digital tasks with AI, rather than search engines or individual apps, according to new research tracking changes in online behaviour.

Dedicated AI platforms are becoming the first place where intent is expressed, whether users are planning travel, comparing products, seeking advice on purchases and managing budgets.

Research shows more than 60% of US adults used a standalone AI platform last year, with younger generations especially likely to begin personal tasks through conversational tools rather than traditional search.

Businesses face growing pressure to adapt as AI reshapes how decisions begin, encouraging companies to rethink marketing, commerce and customer journeys around dialogue rather than clicks.

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Technology is reshaping smoke alarm safety

Smoke alarms remain critical in preventing fatal house fires, according to fire safety officials. Real-life incidents show how early warnings can allow families to escape rapidly spreading blazes.

Modern fire risks are evolving, with lithium-ion batteries and e-bikes creating fast and unpredictable fires. These incidents can release toxic gases and escalate before flames are clearly visible.

Traditional smoke alarm technology continues to perform reliably despite changes in household risks. At the same time, intelligent and AI-based systems are being developed to detect danger sooner.

Reducing false alarms has become a priority, as nuisance alerts often lead people to turn off devices. Fire experts stress that a maintained, certified smoke alarm is far safer than no smoke alarm at all.

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Saying ‘please’ to ChatGPT doesn’t change its energy footprint

Claims that removing polite words from ChatGPT prompts could reduce environmental impact are misleading, experts say. Extra words add minimal processing demand compared with overall system energy use.

AI consumes power mainly because every query triggers new computation. Unlike stored digital content, each AI response requires a full processing cycle within large-scale data centres.

Those facilities rely on constant electricity, cooling and water supplies. Rising AI use is therefore increasing pressure on energy systems and local infrastructure worldwide.

Experts argue the real issue lies in how AI infrastructure is planned and regulated. Focusing on prompt wording distracts from managing AI’s long-term environmental footprint.

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AI hoax targets Kate Garraway and family

Presenter Kate Garraway has condemned a cruel AI-generated hoax that falsely showed her with a new boyfriend. The images appeared online shortly after the death of her husband, Derek Draper.

Fake images circulated mainly on Facebook through impersonation accounts using her name and likeness. Members of the public and even friends mistakenly believed the relationship was real.

The situation escalated when fabricated news sites began publishing false stories involving her teenage son Billy. Garraway described the experience as deeply hurtful during an already raw period.

Her comments followed renewed scrutiny of AI image tools and platform responsibility. Recent restrictions aim to limit harmful and misleading content generated using artificial intelligence.

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New UK research hub explores AI in the humanities

Researchers at the University of Wolverhampton in the UK are launching a Digital Futures Lab, focusing on virtual reality and AI in the humanities. The hub opens on 7 February.

The facility will support collaboration between academics, students, businesses and cultural organisations. Launch events will showcase practical uses of VR, AI and digital language tools across research and culture.

Speakers will discuss chatbots, algorithms and data analysis shaping modern arts and humanities research. The project builds on the university’s wider investment in cyber resilience and AI.

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New radar technology advances heart rhythm detection

Scientists have developed a radar-based sensor that detects irregular heart rhythms without physical contact. The system uses radio waves and AI to identify atrial fibrillation and allow earlier detection.

The technology was tested on more than 6,200 patients during routine heart checks. Results showed accuracy comparable to standard electrocardiogram tests, demonstrating its potential for clinical use.

Trials during sleep revealed that the system could detect hidden heart rhythm issues even when patients were at rest. Many episodes of atrial fibrillation go unnoticed at night, so this could improve early intervention.

Further studies will examine how the system performs in everyday life. Researchers hope these tests will show whether the technology can be used reliably outside clinics to monitor heart health.

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