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The week ending March 28, 2025
The eMerge Americas Conference, held on Miami Beach, served as a hub for innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry experts to discuss technological advancements with societal impact. Florida International University (FIU) celebrated a decade of participation by providing passes to over 750 students, faculty, and alumni, fostering engagement with emerging technologies.
Technologists for the Public Good (TPG) Events
TPG hosted events on March 27 and 28, including a happy hour in Washington, D.C., and an open data lightning talk showcase. These gatherings focused on leveraging technology to address public sector challenges, emphasizing collaboration and innovation for societal benefit.
Rocket Lab’s launch of eight satellites on March 26 aims to enhance global wildfire monitoring through thermal infrared imaging, facilitating improved disaster response and environmental protection.
AI and Climate Change Discussion
At the TIME100 Talks in London, experts discussed AI’s role in combating climate change. Innovations like green hydrogen and fuel cells are being developed to decarbonize challenging sectors, demonstrating technology’s potential for environmental good.
Advancements in Civic Technology
New York City’s Office of Technology & Innovation hosted a lightning talk showcase on March 28, featuring open data applications across various sectors, including environmental monitoring, highlighting technology’s role in public service enhancement.
Digital Inclusion Initiatives:
- Mid Michigan CAA Partners with MITTEN Program: The Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (CAA) has been designated as a regional hub for the Michigan Inclusive Training, Technology, and Equity Network (MITTEN) program. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide by offering digital skills training, affordable internet access, and refurbished devices to underserved communities. In collaboration with Human-I-T, a social enterprise focused on equitable technology access, the program seeks to empower residents with essential digital resources. Eva Rohlman, outreach and opportunities director at Mid Michigan CAA, emphasized the importance of reliable internet and digital skills in today’s society.
Ethical Concerns in Technology:
- Debate Over Ethical Risks of Generative AI: A recent survey revealed that over half (54%) of professionals believe technologies like Generative AI pose the highest ethical risks compared to other emerging technologies. The concerns highlight the need for responsible development and implementation of AI technologies to mitigate potential ethical dilemmas.
- MIT’s Emphasis on Social and Ethical Responsibilities in Computing: MIT has been actively promoting the integration of social and ethical considerations into computing. Recognizing the surge in the use of algorithms and artificial intelligence, MIT emphasizes the importance of addressing unexpected consequences that involve new norms, expectations, and regulations.
03/21/25
Advancements in Artificial Intelligence:
- Pennsylvania’s AI Pilot Program: Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled the results of the Commonwealth’s Generative AI Pilot Program, conducted in collaboration with OpenAI and Carnegie Mellon University. The initiative aimed to assess the effectiveness of AI tools like ChatGPT in enhancing public administration. Findings revealed that 85% of participating employees had a positive experience, with an average time savings of 95 minutes per day. This led to the announcement of a second phase to further explore AI’s potential in public service.
- AI-Assisted Programming in Government: The concept of “vibe coding,” an AI-assisted programming paradigm, was introduced as a means to empower individuals, regardless of coding proficiency, to develop functional software applications. This approach has the potential to transform public administration by enabling more efficient service delivery and fostering innovation within governmental agencies.
Technological Investments and Infrastructure:
- Luna Labs Expansion in Virginia: Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that Luna Labs USA, LLC, a technology development company, will invest $200,000 to expand its research and development operations in Charlottesville. This expansion is expected to create 20 new jobs and underscores the importance of supporting technological innovation to enhance public services.
- Consumers Energy’s Grid Enhancements: Consumers Energy revealed plans to improve electric reliability by upgrading infrastructure and clearing trees near power lines. These efforts aim to reduce power outages and enhance the resilience of the electric grid, directly benefiting public services reliant on consistent power supply.
Cybersecurity Initiatives:
- IMF’s Cybersecurity Insights: The International Monetary Fund released a technical note titled “Strengthening Cybersecurity: Lessons from the Cybersecurity Survey,” emphasizing the critical importance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding public services. The report provides valuable insights into current challenges and strategies to enhance digital security within governmental operations.
03/19/25
How AI Changes Critical Thinking: New Microsoft Research Findings
With AI now mainstream in business, a critical question emerges: are we still thinking critically when AI does the heavy lifting? This isn’t just academic — it affects job fulfillment and challenges whether we’re employed to do or to think.
Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and Microsoft Research surveyed knowledge workers who regularly use AI tools, analyzing nearly 1,000 real-world examples. Their findings reveal how our thinking patterns at work are already transforming.
CFOs Get Schooled on Taking Enterprise AI From Curiosity to Business Impact
Artificial intelligence (AI) is hurtling forward at an unprecedented pace, changing everything along its way.
For chief financial officers (CFOs) and other business leaders, this advance is met with hesitation. The reason? A lack of clear standards, concerns about data privacy and the risks of unreliable AI outputs.
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends ways for the U.S. to reap the benefits of artificial intelligence in biotechnology while minimizing risks that AI may be misused to develop harmful biological agents.
From enabling emergency department nurses to prepare more effectively for procedures to using predictive analytics to reduce heart-related risks in pediatric cancer patients, AI is already transforming how Connecticut Children’s delivers care to its patients.
IDC: 80% of companies plan to buy AI PCs this year
Because of the high costs and security risks around cloud AI deployments, more companies are planning to roll out AI on PCs this year, according to a new IDC study.
03/17/25
Advancements in Quantum Computing
Quantum computing is transitioning from experimental phases to commercial applications, with significant implications for climate change, healthcare, and food security. Companies like PsiQuantum aim to launch the first utility-scale quantum computer by 2027, potentially reducing complex computations from millions of years to minutes. This breakthrough could revolutionize drug development, carbon sequestration strategies, and agricultural efficiency, thereby enhancing human welfare.
Artificial Intelligence and Global Transformation
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, envisions AI transforming every aspect of life, including curing diseases and solving energy challenges. Drawing parallels to historic technological leaps, Hassabis highlights AI’s potential to usher in an era of radical abundance and creative empowerment, while also acknowledging the need to address challenges and uncertainties regarding human purpose in an AI-dominated world.
The integration of AI nurses in hospitals is reshaping patient care by assisting with tasks such as monitoring and information dissemination. While these AI systems offer efficiency and cost-effectiveness, nursing unions express concerns about potential undermining of human expertise and the quality of patient care. This development underscores the ongoing debate about balancing technological innovation with the irreplaceable human element in healthcare.
Exploring AI’s Ethical Dimensions
Academic discussions, such as those led by Western Michigan University professor Jil Larson, are delving into the ethical implications of AI and its impact on human connections. Through analyses of literary works like Kazuo Ishiguro’s “Klara and the Sun,” these conversations explore how AI influences storytelling, memory, and the fundamental human need for connection, highlighting the importance of ethical considerations in technological advancement.
Navigating the Era of ‘Dataism’
The release of DeepSeek’s R1 model, outperforming OpenAI’s ChatGPT, brings “dataism”—the reliance on data and algorithms in decision-making—to the forefront. This shift challenges traditional management theories and the role of human capital, prompting businesses to adapt by innovatively designing work that optimizes both technological and human factors. The evolution of knowledge work in this context raises questions about job polarization and the future landscape of employment.
03/14/25
Quantum-inspired cameras capture the start of life
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have performed the first imaging of embryos using cameras designed for quantum measurements.
Cross-linker additive boosts organic solar cell lifespan by 59%
An international team of researchers affiliated with UNIST has unveiled a novel cross-linker additive that significantly addresses the longstanding stability issues associated with organic solar cells, also known as organic photovoltaics (OPVs).
Discarding a long-standing pessimistic hypothesis to rescue next-generation lithium-ion battery technology
In a megascience-scale collaboration with French researchers from College de France and the University of Montpellier, Skoltech scientists have shown a much-publicized problem with next-generation lithium-ion batteries to have been induced by the very experiments that sought to investigate it. Published in Nature Materials, the team’s findings suggest that the issue of lithium-rich cathode material deterioration should be approached from a different angle, giving hope for more efficient lithium-ion batteries that would store some 30% more energy.
Multifunctional solar cells: Ferroelectric domain manipulation enhances electric output in perovskite crystals
A team of researchers has made an advancement in the field of multifunctional energy harvesting. Their latest study advances in understanding the photovoltaic effect in ferroelectric crystals.
Generative AI rivals racing to the future
Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) models have been vying for the lead—with the US and China hotbeds for the technology.
Electrification and carbon capture can make cement production more energy-efficient and sustainable
Concrete is the world’s most widely used building material—but the production of cement, its key component, generates significant carbon dioxide emissions. New research at Umeå University shows how electrification and carbon capture can make production both more energy-efficient and climate-smart.
How industrial waste gases could replace fossil fuels in everyday consumer products
Industrial waste gases, long seen as a major contributor to climate change, could soon be captured and repurposed into everyday household products such as shampoo, detergent, and even fuel.
Co-design empowers inclusive tech for individuals with intellectual disabilities
A series of QUT research studies have shed light on the importance of involving individuals with intellectual disabilities in the development of assistive technologies.
Cryptocurrency’s transparency is a mirage: New research shows a small group of insiders influence its value
United States President Donald Trump recently announced the U.S. would establish a strategic cryptocurrency reserve of Bitcoin, Ether, Ripple, Solana and Cardano. This move, he said, would make the U.S. “the crypto capital of the world.”
Unofficial parental control apps put children’s safety and privacy at risk
Some “unofficial” parental control apps have excessive access to personal data and hide their presence, raising concerns about their potential for unethical surveillance as well as domestic abuse, according to new research from UCL and St. Pölten UAS, Austria.
Electric cars were once marketed as ‘women’s cars.’ Did this hold back their development over the next century?
It was not a given that petrol-powered cars would come to dominate the world. In fact, back in 1900, just 22% of cars produced in the US were powered by gasoline (also known as petrol, benzine or various other names). The rest were split between electric and steam cars.
Power ball on transmission wires lowers electricity bills
The gray sphere is about the size of a bowling ball. It’s full of sensors and will allow more electricity to run through the power lines.
One Tech Tip: Wasting too much time on social media apps? Tips and tricks to curb smartphone use
If you’ve got a smartphone, you probably spend too much time on it—checking Instagram, watching silly TikTok videos, messaging on WhatsApp or doomscrolling on X.
03/13/25
United Kingdom’s Public Service Reforms
- Abolition of NHS England: Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the dissolution of NHS England, integrating its functions directly into the Department of Health and Social Care. This move aims to streamline operations and redirect funds to frontline care, thereby reducing patient waiting times. Additionally, the government plans to cut up to 7,000 office-based NHS jobs and consolidate regulatory agencies to enhance efficiency.
- Embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI): Starmer emphasized the need for broader civil service reforms, focusing on digitization and AI integration. The government proposes that tasks better performed by AI should replace manual processes, aiming to save an estimated £45 billion. This initiative includes launching a “TechTrack” apprenticeship for digital specialists and ensuring that 10% of civil servants hold digital roles by 2030.
United States Initiatives
- Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE): President Donald Trump issued an executive order renaming the United States Digital Service to the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led by Elon Musk, DOGE aims to modernize federal technology and software to maximize governmental efficiency and productivity. The initiative includes embedding “DOGE teams” within federal agencies to access and improve IT systems.
- IRS Direct File Program: The IRS Direct File program, established to facilitate free and efficient tax filing, is under scrutiny regarding its long-term viability. Despite its popularity, the program faces potential cuts influenced by Elon Musk and DOGE. Critics argue that the program lacks congressional authorization and duplicates existing free services, while supporters advocate for its continuation due to its convenience and effectiveness.
Local Initiatives
- LinkNYC’s 5G Expansion: New York City’s LinkNYC program has been deploying 32-foot poles capable of transmitting 5G wireless signals under the Link5G brand. Aimed at enhancing internet accessibility, especially in underserved areas, the initiative has faced both support and opposition. While some residents express concerns about the poles’ appearance and height, city officials and businesses advocate for their potential to bridge the digital divide.
03/11/25
European Union’s Circular Economy Initiatives
The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive plan to allocate €100 billion towards supporting EU-based clean manufacturing and reducing energy costs. A key component of this plan is the introduction of a Circular Economy Act aimed at lowering feedstock expenses and promoting recycling practices. Additional measures include simplifying state aid regulations, accelerating clean energy permits, and establishing a €1.5 billion package to support power grid component manufacturers. These initiatives are designed to enhance sustainability and competitiveness within the EU’s industrial sector.
Growth of the Refurbished Electronics Market
The market for refurbished electronics has experienced significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and the right-to-repair movement. Companies such as Back Market, Gazelle, and VIP Outlet, along with major retailers like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and Best Buy, now offer refurbished tech products. These devices often come with warranties and support, making them attractive and eco-friendly alternatives to new products. This trend contributes to a circular economy by extending product lifespans through refurbishing, repairing, and recycling, thereby reducing the demand for raw materials and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
Recykal’s Digital Waste Management Solutions
Recykal, an Indian digital technology company specializing in waste management and recycling, has developed a platform connecting waste collection centers with recyclers. By 2023, Recykal had processed over one million metric tons of waste, collaborating with more than 620 brands and 675 recyclers. The company’s initiatives have prevented billions of plastic bottles and significant amounts of metal, paper, and electronic waste from reaching landfills, exemplifying the role of digital solutions in advancing circular economy principles within the technology sector.
Rheaply’s Resource Exchange Technology
Rheaply, a Chicago-based software-as-a-service company, specializes in enterprise asset management technology for the circular economy. Its platform facilitates the internal reuse of physical assets within large organizations, serving sectors such as higher education, government, and retail. Notable clients include Northwestern University, MIT, and Google. In 2022, Rheaply launched an embodied carbon avoidance tool to help companies understand the environmental impacts of resource exchange, further promoting sustainability in asset management.
03/04/25
Meta’s Strategic Shifts Under CEO Mark Zuckerberg
Meta has implemented significant changes under CEO Mark Zuckerberg, including overhauling its content moderation policy to favor community notes over third-party fact-checking and relaxing hate speech policies. The company has also initiated ad testing on its Threads platform and increased capital expenditure in AI technologies, while cutting 5% of its staff to reshape its workforce. These strategic moves aim to align with the current U.S. administration and position Meta for future growth.
Microchip Technology Announces Significant Job Cuts
Microchip Technology is cutting approximately 2,000 jobs across its manufacturing and corporate operations due to declining sales and the need to reduce costs. The layoffs will affect facilities in Oregon, Colorado, and the Philippines, with the company aiming to save $90 million to $100 million annually. In its latest quarter, Microchip reported a significant decline in net sales and a loss of $53.6 million, prompting these decisive actions.
Accenture Acquires Halfspace to Enhance AI Capabilities
Accenture has acquired Halfspace, a Denmark-based AI company, to bolster its AI capabilities in the Nordic region. This strategic move aims to help organizations leverage and scale AI for more informed decision-making.
Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 Highlights
The MWC 2025 in Barcelona showcased several key developments:
- Samsung’s Innovations: Samsung presented the future of mobile technology, inspiring users worldwide with its latest advancements.
- Nothing Phone 3a Series Launch: British consumer technology brand Nothing unveiled its Phone 3a series, introducing a new “Pro” model for the first time.
- Huawei’s Triple Foldable Phone: Huawei introduced the world’s first commercial triple foldable smartphone, marking a significant leap in mobile device design.
- Xiaomi’s 15 Series Launch: Xiaomi unveiled its 15 series, featuring the 15 Ultra equipped with a 200-megapixel periscope lens, enhancing mobile photography capabilities.
- Nothing’s 3A Series: The company Nothing revealed its 3A series, boasting a triple camera system, aiming to redefine user experience with innovative design.
- uCloudlink’s Connectivity Solutions: uCloudlink presented groundbreaking innovations aimed at redefining connectivity for IoT devices, people, and pets, emphasizing seamless global communication.
Advancements in Computing and AI
- IBM’s Quantum Computing Progress: IBM’s CEO, Arvind Krishna, highlighted significant strides in quantum computing, anticipating notable advancements in error correction and coherence times within the next three to five years.
- AI’s Impact on Power Demand: The surge in artificial intelligence applications is reshaping the power landscape, with data centers experiencing unprecedented growth to meet the escalating demand for AI services.
Healthcare Technology Innovations
- AI in Healthcare: Hal Wolf, CEO of HIMSS, discussed the transformative role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing its potential to enhance patient care while acknowledging the need for thoughtful integration to address limitations.
