Development Archives | Page 178 of 538 | Digital Watch Observatory

Material-level AI emerges in MIT–DeRucci sleep science collaboration

MIT’s Sensor and Ambient Intelligence group, led by Joseph Paradiso, unveiled ‘FiberCircuits’, a smart-fibre platform co-developed with DeRucci. It embeds sensing, edge inference, and feedback directly in fibres to create ‘weavable intelligence’. The aim is natural, low-intrusion human–computer interaction.

Teams embedded AI micro-sensors and sub-millimetre ICs to capture respiration, movement, skin conductance, and temperature, running tinyML locally for privacy. Feedback via light, sound, or micro-stimulation closes the loop while keeping power and data exposure low.

Sleep science prototypes included a mattress with distributed sensors for posture recognition, an eye mask combining PPG and EMG, and an IMU-enabled pillow. Prototypes were used to validate signal parsing and human–machine coupling across various sleep scenarios.

Edge-first design places most inference on the fibre to protect user data and reduce interference, according to DeRucci’s CTO, Chen Wenze. Collaboration covered architecture, algorithms, and validation, with early results highlighting comfort, durability, and responsiveness suitable for bedding.

Partners plan to expand cohorts and scenarios into rehabilitation and non-invasive monitoring, and to release selected algorithms and test protocols. Paradiso framed material-level intelligence as a path to gentler interfaces that blend into everyday environments.

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AI brain atlas reveals unprecedented detail in MRI scans

Researchers at University College London have developed NextBrain, an AI-assisted brain atlas that visualises the human brain in unprecedented detail. The tool links microscopic tissue imaging with MRI, enabling rapid and precise analysis of living brain scans.

NextBrain maps 333 brain regions using high-resolution post-mortem tissue data, which is combined into a digital 3D model with the aid of AI. The atlas was created over the course of six years by dissecting, photographing, and digitally reconstructing five human brains.

AI played a crucial role in aligning microscope images with MRI scans, ensuring accuracy while significantly reducing the time required for manual labelling. The atlas detects subtle changes in brain sub-regions, such as the hippocampus, crucial for studying diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Testing on thousands of MRI scans demonstrated that NextBrain reliably identifies brain regions across different scanners and imaging conditions, enabling detailed analysis of ageing patterns and early signs of neurodegeneration.

All data, tools, and annotations are openly available through the FreeSurfer neuroimaging platform. The public release of NextBrain aims to accelerate research, support diagnosis, and improve treatment for neurological conditions worldwide.

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Microsoft Elevate expands AI skills training across the UAE

Microsoft has expanded its Microsoft Elevate initiative in the UAE, aiming to equip one million people with AI skills by the end of the decade. The programme is training over 250,000 students and staff, plus 55,000 government employees, to prepare the UAE workforce for an AI-driven future.

Partnerships with educational institutions and nonprofits are central to the initiative. Collaborations with organisations such as GEMS and INJAZ UAE are embedding AI skills into schools, training 10,000 teachers and over 150,000 students.

Higher education institutions, including MBZUAI, UAE University, and the Higher Colleges of Technology, are also participating to advance AI literacy, research, and digital skills across the academic community.

Government employees are a key focus, with 55,000 federal staff set to receive AI training through specialised courses developed with G42 and delivered via the JAHIZ platform. Leadership programmes with INSEAD train senior officials and executives, enhancing strategic skills and promoting responsible AI use.

Microsoft Elevate is closing the UAE’s AI skills gap and expanding opportunities for students, educators, and public servants. The programme combines technical and leadership training to strengthen the UAE’s talent pipeline and global AI leadership.

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ByteDance cuts use of Claude after Anthropic blocks China access

An escalating tech clash has emerged between ByteDance and Anthropic over AI access and service restrictions. ByteDance has halted use of Anthropic’s Claude model on its infrastructure after the US firm imposed access limitations for Chinese users.

The suspension follows Anthropic’s move to restrict China-linked deployments and aligns with broader geopolitical tensions in the AI sector. ByteDance reportedly said it would now rely on domestic alternatives, signalling a strategic pivot away from western-based AI models.

Industry watchers view the dispute as a marker of how major tech firms are navigating export controls, national security concerns and sovereignty in AI. Observers warn the rift may prompt accelerated investment in home-grown AI ecosystems by Chinese companies.

While neither company has detailed all operational impacts, the episode highlights AI’s fraught position at the intersection of technology and geopolitics. US market reaction may hinge on whether other firms follow suit or partnerships are redefined around regional access.

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Social media platforms ordered to enforce minimum age rules in Australia

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has formally notified major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, that they must comply with new minimum age restrictions from 10 December.

The rule will require these services to prevent social media users under 16 from creating accounts.

eSafety determined that nine popular services currently meet the definition of age-restricted platforms since their main purpose is to enable online social interaction. Platforms that fail to take reasonable steps to block underage users may face enforcement measures, including fines of up to 49.5 million dollars.

The agency clarified that the list of age-restricted platforms will not remain static, as new services will be reviewed and reassessed over time. Others, such as Discord, Google Classroom, and WhatsApp, are excluded for now as they do not meet the same criteria.

Commissioner Julie Inman Grant said the new framework aims to delay children’s exposure to social media and limit harmful design features such as infinite scroll and opaque algorithms.

She emphasised that age limits are only part of a broader effort to build safer, more age-appropriate online environments supported by education, prevention, and digital resilience.

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EU pushes for stronger global climate action at COP30 in Brazil

The European Union will use the COP30 Climate Conference in Belém, Brazil, to reinforce its commitment to a fair and ambitious global clean transition.

The EU aims to accelerate the implementation of the Paris Agreement by driving decarbonisation, promoting renewables, and supporting vulnerable nations most affected by climate change.

President Ursula von der Leyen said the transition is ‘ongoing and irreversible’, stressing that it must remain inclusive and equitable.

Additionally, the EU will call for new efforts to close implementation gaps, limit temperature overshoot beyond 1.5°C, and advance the Global Stocktake outcomes from COP28. It will also promote the global pledges to triple renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030.

A new climate target will commit to cutting net greenhouse gas emissions by between 66.25% and 72.5% below 1990 levels by 2035, on the path to a 90% reduction by 2040.

The EU also supports the creation of a Coalition for Compliance Carbon Markets and increased finance for developing countries through the Baku to Belém Roadmap.

Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said Europe’s climate ambition strengthens both competitiveness and independence. He urged major economies to raise ambition and accelerate implementation to keep the Paris target within reach.

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EU conference highlights the need for collaboration in digital safety and growth

European politicians and experts gathered in Billund for the conference ‘Towards a Safer and More Innovative Digital Europe’, hosted by the Danish Parliament.

The discussions centred on how to protect citizens online while strengthening Europe’s technological competitiveness.

Lisbeth Bech-Nielsen, Chair of the Danish Parliament’s Digitalisation and IT Committee, stated that the event demonstrated the need for the EU to act more swiftly to harness its collective digital potential.

She emphasised that only through cooperation and shared responsibility can the EU match the pace of global digital transformation and fully benefit from its combined strengths.

The first theme addressed online safety and responsibility, focusing on the enforcement of the Digital Services Act, child protection, and the accountability of e-commerce platforms importing products from outside the EU.

Participants highlighted the importance of listening to young people and improving cross-border collaboration between regulators and industry.

The second theme examined Europe’s competitiveness in emerging technologies such as AI and quantum computing. Speakers called for more substantial investment, harmonised digital skills strategies, and better support for businesses seeking to expand within the single market.

A Billund conference emphasised that Europe’s digital future depends on striking a balance between safety, innovation, and competitiveness, which can only be achieved through joint action and long-term commitment.

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Jobs and skills transform as AI changes the workplace

AI is transforming the job market as companies cut traditional roles and expand AI-driven positions. Major employers like Accenture, IBM and Amazon are investing heavily in training while reducing headcount, signalling a shift in what skills truly matter.

Research from Drexel University highlights a growing divide between organisations that adopt AI and workers who are prepared to use it effectively. Surveys show that while most companies rely on AI in daily operations, fewer than four in ten believe their employees are ready to work alongside intelligent systems.

Experts say the future belongs to those with ‘human-AI fluency’ that means people who can question, interpret and apply machine output to real business challenges. Firms that build trust, encourage learning and blend technical understanding with sound judgement are proving best equipped to thrive in the AI era.

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Jersey launches AI council to drive innovation

A new Artificial Intelligence Council has been launched in Jersey to strengthen collaboration and coordinate the island’s approach to AI adoption. Led by Digital Jersey, the council seeks to bring together public and private sector initiatives to ensure AI technologies are used responsibly and effectively.

The council’s mission is to facilitate cooperation and knowledge exchange among key organisations, including the government, Jersey Finance, and the Institute of Directors. It aims to create a unified plan that draws on members’ expertise to maximise benefits while reducing potential risks.

Tony Moretta, chief executive of Digital Jersey and chair of the AI Council, said the island was at a pivotal stage in its AI journey. He emphasised that collective action could accelerate progress far more than isolated efforts across individual organisations.

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OpenAI becomes fastest-growing business platform in history

OpenAI has surpassed 1 million business customers, becoming the fastest-growing business platform in history. Companies in healthcare, finance, retail, and tech use ChatGPT for Work or API access to enhance operations, customer experiences, and team workflows.

Consumer familiarity is driving enterprise adoption. With over 800 million weekly ChatGPT users, rollouts face less friction. ChatGPT for Work now has more than 7 million seats, growing 40% in two months, while ChatGPT Enterprise seats have increased ninefold year-over-year.

Businesses are reporting strong ROI, with 75% seeing positive results from AI deployment.

New tools and integrations are accelerating adoption. Company knowledge lets AI work across Slack, SharePoint, and GitHub. Codex accelerates engineering workflows, while AgentKit facilitates rapid enterprise agent deployment.

Multimodal models now support text, images, video, and audio, allowing richer workflows across industries.

Many companies are building applications directly on OpenAI’s platform. Brands like Canva, Spotify, and Shopify are integrating AI into apps, and the Agentic Commerce Protocol is bringing conversational commerce to everyday experiences.

OpenAI aims to continue expanding capabilities in 2026, reimagining enterprise workflows with AI at the core.

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