How good would an algorithm have to be to take over your job?

It’s a new question for many workers amid the rise of ChatGPT and other AI programs that can hold conversations, write stories and even generate songs and images within seconds.

For doctors who review scans to spot cancer and other diseases, however, AI has loomed for about a decade as more algorithms promise to improve accuracy, speed up work and, in some cases, take over entire parts of the job. Predictions have ranged from doomsday scenarios in which AI fully replaces radiologists, to sunny futures in which it frees them to focus on the most rewarding aspects of their work.

AI TECH AIMS TO DETECT BREAST CANCER BY MIMICKING RADIOLOGISTS’ EYE MOVEMENTS: ‘A CRITICAL FRIEND’

That tension reflects how AI is rolling out across health care. Beyond the technology itself, much depends upon the willingness of doctors to put their trust — and their patients’ health — in the hands of increasingly sophisticated algorithms that few understand.

Even within the field, opinions differ on how much radiologists should be embracing the technology.

“Some of the AI techniques are so good, frankly, I think we should be doing them now,” said Dr. Ronald Summers, a radiologist and AI researcher at the National Institutes of Health. “Why are we letting that information just sit on the table?”

Dr. Laurie Margolies demonstrates the Koios DS Smart Ultrasound software, Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at Mount Sinai hospital in New York. The breast imaging AI is used to get a second opinion on mammography ultrasounds. “I will tell patients, ‘I looked at it, and the computer looked at it, and we both agree,’” Margolies said. “Hearing me say that we both agree, I think that gives the patient an even greater level of confidence.” (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)

Summers’ lab has developed computer-aided imaging programs that detect colon cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes and other conditions. None of those have been widely adopted, which he attributes to the “culture of medicine,” among other factors.

Radiologists have used computers to enhance images and flag suspicious areas since the 1990s. But the latest AI programs can go much further, interpreting the scans, offering a diagnosis and even drafting written reports about their findings. The algorithms are often trained on millions of X-rays and other images collected from hospitals and clinics.

Across medicine, the FDA has OK’d more than 700 AI algorithms to aid physicians. More than 75% of them are in radiology, yet just 2% of radiology practices use such technology, according to one recent estimate.

For all the promises from industry, radiologists see a number of reasons to be skeptical of AI programs: limited testing in real-world settings, lack of transparency about how they work and questions about the demographics of the patients used to train them.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE NOT ALWAYS HELPFUL FOR REDUCING DOCTOR BURNOUT, STUDIES SUGGEST

“If we don’t know on what cases the AI was tested, or whether those cases are similar to the kinds of patients we see in our practice, there’s just a question in everyone’s mind as to whether these are going to work for us,” said Dr. Curtis Langlotz, a radiologist who runs an AI research center at Stanford University.

To date, all the programs cleared by the FDA require a human to be in the loop.

In early 2020, the FDA held a two-day workshop to discuss algorithms that could operate without human oversight. Shortly afterwards, radiology professionals warned regulators in a letter that they “strongly believe it is premature for the FDA to consider approval or clearance” of such systems.

But European regulators in 2022 approved the first fully automatic software that reviews and writes reports for chest X-rays that look healthy and normal. The company behind the app, Oxipit, is submitting its U.S. application to the FDA.

The need for such technology in Europe is urgent, with some hospitals facing monthslong backlogs of scans due to a shortage of radiologists.

In the U.S., that kind of automated screening is likely years away. Not because the technology isn’t ready, according to AI executives, but because radiologists aren’t yet comfortable turning over even routine tasks to algorithms.

“We try to tell them they’re overtreating people and they’re wasting a ton of time and resources,” said Chad McClennan, CEO of Koios Medical, which sells an AI tool for ultrasounds of the thyroid, the vast majority of which are not cancerous. “We tell them, ‘Let the machine look at it, you sign the report and be done with it.’”

Radiologists tend to overestimate their own accuracy, McClennan says. Research by his company found physicians viewing the same breast scans disagreed with each other more than 30% of the time on whether to do a biopsy. The same radiologists even disagreed with their own initial assessments 20% of the time, when viewing the same images a month later.

About 20% of breast cancers are missed during routine mammograms, according to the National Cancer Institute.

And then there’s the potential for cost savings. On average, U.S. radiologists earn over $350,000 annually, according to the Department of Labor.

In the near term, experts say AI will work like autopilot systems on planes — performing important navigation functions, but always under the supervision of a human pilot.

That approach offers reassurances to both radiologists and patients, says Dr. Laurie Margolies, of Mount Sinai hospital system in New York. The system uses Koios breast imaging AI to get a second opinion on mammography ultrasounds.

“I will tell patients, ‘I looked at it, and the computer looked at it, and we both agree,’” Margolies said. “Hearing me say that we both agree, I think that gives the patient an even greater level of confidence.”

The first large, rigorous trials testing AI-assisted radiologists against those working alone give hints at the potential improvements.

Initial results from a Swedish study of 80,000 women showed a single radiologist working with AI detected 20% more cancers among mammograms than two radiologists working without the technology.

In Europe, mammograms are reviewed by two radiologists to improve accuracy. But Sweden, like other countries, faces a workforce shortage, with only about 70 breast radiologists in a country of 10 million people.

Using AI instead of a second reviewer decreased the human workload by 44%, according to the study.

Still, the study’s lead author says it’s essential that a radiologist make the final diagnosis in all cases.

If an automated algorithm misses a cancer, “that’s going to be very negative for trust in the caregiver,” said Dr. Kristina Lang of Lund University.

The question of who would be held liable in such cases is among the thorny legal issues that have yet to be resolved.

One result is that radiologists are likely to continue double-checking all AI determinations, lest they be held responsible for an error. That’s likely to wipe out many of the predicted benefits, including reduced workload and burnout.

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Only an extremely accurate, reliable algorithm would allow radiologists to truly step away from the process, says Dr. Saurabh Jha of the University of Pennsylvania.

Until such systems emerge, Jha likens AI-assisted radiology to someone who offers to help you drive by looking over your shoulder and constantly pointing out everything on the road.

“That’s not helpful,” Jha says. “If you want to help me drive then you take over the driving so that I can sit back and relax.”

SpaceX is not just launching rockets but a new era of space exploration with its cutting-edge extravehicular activity (EVA) suits. 

As we stand on the cusp of the first-ever private space walk in 2024, let’s dive into the details of this revolutionary gear.

Fashion meets functionality in space

Bridging the gap between style and practicality, SpaceX has unveiled the attire for astronauts embarking on the historic Polaris Dawn mission. Gone are the days of bulky, cumbersome space suits. The new EVA suit blends a sleek design with advanced functionality.

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Debunking space suit myths

Popular culture often misleads us with oversimplified depictions of space suits. Contrary to the “goldfish bowl” helmets and easy-to-wear coveralls seen in movies, real space suits are complex, human-shaped spacecraft. They’re equipped with propulsion and life-support systems, making them more akin to deep-sea diving gear than casual wear.

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Why not stick with the old suit?

SpaceX’s current intravehicular activity (IVA) suits serve as emergency protection within the Dragon capsule. However, they’re not designed for the rigors of space walks. The new EVA suit is a significant upgrade, offering enhanced mobility, durability and protection against the harsh conditions of space.

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The EVA suit: A closer look

The EVA suit retains the sleek design of the IVA model but introduces new materials and fabrication techniques for improved performance. The suit is also scalable, ensuring a perfect fit for a diverse range of body types.

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4 features that set the EVA suit apart

1. Rotating joints: For unparalleled mobility when pressurized

2. Advanced seals and valves: Offering high redundancy and safety

3. 3D-printed helmet: With a glare-reducing visor, HUD and camera

4. Thermal management textiles: Borrowed from Falcon rockets for extreme protection

The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission will test the EVA suit’s capabilities and set the stage for future lunar bases and Martian cities.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

It’s clear that the EVA suit is more than just a new set of threads for the stars. With the Polaris Dawn mission on the horizon, we’re not just preparing to watch astronauts float gracefully outside their spacecraft. We’re gearing up to witness a pivotal moment in history – where fashion and functionality fuse in the vacuum of space, debunking long-held myths and setting new standards for what’s possible.

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As SpaceX gears up for the first-ever private space walk with its innovative EVA suits, what are your thoughts on the impact of such technological advancements on the future of space exploration and human life beyond Earth? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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In today’s digital age, it’s not uncommon to be on the receiving end of some unsolicited and potentially malicious online advice. Take, for instance, the concern raised by “Barbara,” who reached out with a question that might have crossed many minds:

“Hi, Kurt. I can’t remember if I read this online or someone told me about it, but when you receive a pop-up message, you should pull the plug on your computer immediately; this prevents the scammer from having any further access to your work. Is this the right thing to do?”

Pop-ups used to be one of the most common ways that scammers would penetrate a person’s computer. It’s less common nowadays, which may be one of the reasons the unplugging method came to be. Well, the quick answer is “no.” Instead of just debunking this myth once and for all, let’s talk a bit more about why it’s not recommended and what to do instead.

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A person unplugging a laptop (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What never to do when you see a pop-up message

It’s important to be cautious when dealing with pop-up messages, as they can be used by scammers to trick you into downloading malware or giving away your personal information. So, you’re right in taking a second to figure out your next move.

But pulling the plug on your computer immediately when you receive a pop-up message is not the right thing to do. This could potentially cause data loss or damage to your computer, which can wreak havoc in other ways. It could also potentially let in more scammers in the future due to vulnerabilities in your system.

It’s also worth mentioning that if the pop-up message is a malicious link or file, scammers these days have a lot more sophisticated strategies, and merely unplugging your computer wouldn’t necessarily stop them. Don’t worry, though. There are ways to protect yourself.

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A man working on his PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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What you should do when you see a pop-up message

So, if unplugging your computer isn’t the answer, what can you do instead if you see a pop-up message, especially one that looks suspicious? Follow the steps below.

Don’t click on the pop-up message: If you receive a pop-up message, don’t click on it or enter any personal information. Instead, close the window by clicking on the “X” button in the top right corner of the window. Be on the lookout for fake pop-ups that appear in your browser window that are trying to trick you into clicking on them. These pop-ups are not coming from your computer but from a malicious file that has integrated itself into your browser and is displaying images that look like pop-ups. If you click on them, you might end up downloading more malware, giving away your personal information or paying money for a fake service.

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Watch out for download pop-ups: If you’re receiving a pop-up because you clicked a link to download, be sure that the file can be trusted. Did you download it directly from the company’s website? Or was it from a message that someone sent you via email, SMS or Facebook? Or was it from a third-party app store? If it’s the latter, be extremely cautious.

Don’t call any phone numbers: If you receive a pop-up message that tells you to call a phone number, don’t do it. This is a common scam used by scammers to trick you into giving away your personal information or downloading malware.

Woman on the phone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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How to prevent pop-ups (and other scams)

While there’s no way to prevent scams 100%, aside from practicing online privacy and security recommendations (and staying up to date with security news), there are ways to prevent pop-ups that may contain threats.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

Download a pop-up blocker: Many browsers have pop-up blocker extensions to keep pop-ups at bay. However, you may need to disable these to let certain pop-ups come through; for instance, when doing your online banking or booking a flight. Many premium popup blockers come included with security software used to protect your devices.

Be wary of suspicious links/files: Whether these suspicious links are through a pop-up ad or somewhere else, always exercise caution.

Use strong antivirus software: Make sure you have antivirus software installed on your computer and keep it up-to-date. The best way to help protect yourself from clicking malicious links that install malware that may get access to your private information is to have antivirus protection installed on all your devices. This can also alert you of any phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best 2024 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.

Update your browser: Make sure your browser is up to date with the latest security patches and updates. This can help prevent security vulnerabilities that might be exploited by scammers.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

Pop-ups are still a way for hackers to infiltrate your system with a malware threat. Like with any cybersecurity scams and the pace at which information travels these days, you may hear of ways to protect yourself, like unplugging your computer. But always double-check solutions before taking matters into your own hands. Also, remember the next time a pop-up springs into view, pause and proceed with caution – your cybersafety depends on it.

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Can you share a time when you successfully identified and avoided an online scam? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Sometimes, you have to see it to believe it.

And in rare cases, like this one, it freaks out observers watching. In the ever-expanding world of humanoid robots, a new star is rising, and its name is Astribot. 

The Chinese company’s latest creation, the S1 model, is turning heads with its astonishing speed and precision.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

Astribot S1: How it’s breaking speed records

Imagine a robot that can move at a blistering pace of approximately 32.8 feet per second and handle a payload of 22 pounds per arm. That’s Astribot’s S1 for you. It’s like watching a superhero in action. Only this one is made of wires and metal.

The S1’s capabilities are not just impressive; they’re record-setting. The robot’s dexterity is showcased in a video where it performs tasks with such finesse that it can delicately shave a cucumber.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

It can even engage in the art of calligraphy.

S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

That’s not all. It can also open and pour wine and flip a sandwich in a frying pan.

S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

And for those who hate ironing and folding laundry, the S1 does that, too.

S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

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What sets the Astribot S1 apart from other robots?

The S1’s ability to mimic human movements sets it apart from other robots. This robot is a learner, an imitator and a potential pioneer in robotics. The questions it raises are as intriguing as its abilities. Does it have a lower half? Can it walk, or is it destined to remain stationary? These are the mysteries that have yet to be answered.

S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

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The backstory of the Astribot S1 robot

Founded in 2022 in Shenzhen, the Astribot maker Stardust Intelligence has roots that trace back to the Tencent Robotics Laboratory, Baidu, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, with its founder, Lai Jie.

The S1 took a year to evolve and is expected to hit the market later in 2024. The robot’s name, inspired by the Latin proverb “Ad astra per aspera,” reflects its journey and commitment to AI robot technology.

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S1 AI-powered robot (Astribot)

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Kurt’s key takeaways

As Astribot prepares to launch the S1 robot, the world watches with bated breath. Will it revolutionize the way we think about humanoid robots? Will it outshine its competitors and set a new standard in the industry? Can the U.S. keep us with this Chinese technology? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the robot wars have begun and Astribot’s S1 is leading the charge.

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As humanoid robots become more adept at tasks traditionally performed by humans, how do you feel about the potential impact on employment and job security? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.