January

January 2, 2024

Digital twin technology helps scientists simulate problems, provide solutions to help growers


Dana Choi and Charlie Li from UF/IFAS are utilizing digital twin technology to revolutionize agricultural practices, with Choi focusing on robotic and sensor simulations for agricultural automation and Li on training machine-learning models for crop phenotyping. This technology, leveraging advances in AI and computing, allows for precise virtual modeling to optimize real-world agricultural applications and decision-making.


January 2, 2024

Study: Frequent Consumption of AI-Related News Can Lead to Increased AI Literacy and Support of AI Policies and Regulation


A study reveals that frequent engagement with AI-related news fosters political discussions on AI, enhancing AI literacy and support for AI policies and regulations, influenced by the level of AI efficacy among individuals. This moderated relationship underscores the importance of AI news in shaping public opinion and policy endorsement, highlighting the need for informed and active citizen engagement in AI governance.


January 10, 2024

Year in Review: Artificial Intelligence and Nephrology

Azra Bihorac and Benjamin Shickel's review in Nature Reviews Nephrology showcases the transformative impact of AI in nephrology, particularly through the use of large language models and diverse patient data sources. They predict that AI's continued evolution will significantly advance nephrology by integrating personalized patient data and natural language processing to enhance medical understanding and practice.


January 18, 2024

How scientists are using UF's supercomputer

The University of Florida's HiPerGator supercomputer is catalyzing breakthroughs in over 800 research projects across various disciplines, supported by a $50 million investment from an alumnus and NVIDIA. This powerful AI tool is not only advancing scientific research but also playing a key role in educating the next generation in AI applications.


January 23, 2024

AI-powered app can detect poison ivy

University of Florida scientists, led by Nathan Boyd, developed an AI-powered app designed to identify poison ivy in real-time, even without internet connectivity, aiming to reduce the annual incidence of up to 50 million people worldwide suffering from rashes caused by the plant. The app, which is yet to be commercially released, demonstrated its effectiveness through a study that involved training a computer to recognize poison ivy from thousands of images collected from various locations, thereby potentially minimizing health concerns related to contact with the plant.


January 29, 2024

How Instagram Algorithms Can Impact Influencer Following and Endorsement Effectiveness

Instagram's algorithms play a pivotal role in forming user habits around following influencers, significantly impacting the effectiveness of influencer marketing, as explored in a study by Yang Feng and Quan Xie.


January 31, 2024

At UF, human connections power artificial intelligence

Through the integration of AI, researchers at the University of Florida are exploring new frontiers in psychology, political science, and beyond, leveraging AI's capabilities to tackle complex challenges and foster interdisciplinary collaborations, ultimately aiming to advance research and education in diverse fields.

February

February 5, 2024

Can we create the molecules of life?

Utilizing the HiPerGator supercomputer, researchers at the University of Florida have shown that amino acids and DNA bases, key components of life, can form in the right conditions, marking a significant step towards explaining how life might have originated.


February 8, 2024

University of Florida to strengthen its sports program through AI-Powered Athletics

The University of Florida launches a groundbreaking AI-Powered Athletics project within the UF & Sport Collaborative, supported by a $2.5 million investment from UF President Ben Sasse, aiming to enhance sports performance and healthcare through wearable sensor data and health analytics. This initiative, a collaboration between the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and the University Athletic Association, seeks to leverage AI for student-athlete performance and health, contributing to UF's global leadership in sports science and education.

 


February 12, 2024

How UF is combatting AI misinformation in elections

As the 2024 election approaches, the challenge of navigating disinformation is heightened by advanced AI tools capable of creating highly convincing deepfakes, according to Janet Coats of the University of Florida's Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology. UF combats this threat by developing AI detection tools and educating on media literacy, aiming to empower both journalists and the public in distinguishing real news from misinformation.


February 22, 2024

Colleges are using AI to prepare hospitality workers of the future

Rachel J.C. Fu's new book emphasizes the growing importance of AI in the hospitality industry, predicting a shift towards technology-driven jobs and enhancing guest experiences through AI applications, from operational tasks to personalized learning and customer service in education and industry practices.


February 24, 2024

AI technology: A promising aid in nursing education and beyond

Dr. Lisiane Pruinelli at the University of Florida College of Nursing explores the promising role of AI in reducing nurse burnout and enhancing patient care, highlighting both the potential and the current limitations of technologies like ChatGPT in nursing education. She advocates for the ethical integration of AI to streamline administrative tasks and improve direct patient interactions, emphasizing the need for thorough evaluation to ensure these technologies truly benefit patient outcomes.


February 28, 2024

UF Health project seeks to help mothers in need

The University of Florida Health's new project aims to reduce pregnancy health risks by using a patient dashboard to identify and address social determinants like housing, food insecurity, and stress early, connecting mothers with needed resources to improve outcomes.

March

March 12, 2024

UF researchers evaluate academic performance of chatbots

A study by University of Florida researchers found that OpenAI's GPT-4 outperformed the student average on most graduate-level biomedical exams but struggled with certain complex questions, indicating a need for careful evaluation of its accuracy and trustworthiness in academic and healthcare contexts.


March 22, 2024

Nancy Ruzycki's summer science camps continue to empower young scientists

Nancy Ruzycki's Goldberg Gator Engineering Explorers Summer Program, initiated in 2022 with support from a significant donation and a State grant, has successfully empowered young scientists and teachers through hands-on AI and engineering education. The program has expanded its reach and curriculum, offering summer camps, teacher training, and an after-school virtual program to foster computational thinking and problem-solving skills among students


March 22, 2024

Dalir’s CHIP Lab Integrates ML with Optical Networks

Dr. Hamed Dalir's CHIP Lab at the University of Florida published research on a novel hybrid optical-electronic convolutional neural network (CNN) system that incorporates machine learning to enhance the demultiplexing of orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams. This advancement in optical computing and communication technologies could significantly reduce system latency and energy consumption, opening new avenues for high-speed and efficient data transmission.


March 27, 2024

Musical Marvel: Hollywood has taken notice of this engineer-turned-composer’s AI-infused art

Tina Tallon, a composer and AI and the Arts professor at the University of Florida, harnessed spectral data from stars using a computer model she developed, converting it into sound for a Marvel movie score, showcasing a creative blend of science and art to make astronomy data accessible and to foster collaboration between disciplines.

April

April 2, 2024

White House officials tour UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; admire AI initiatives, tout importance of cybersecurity

White House officials, including Jake Braun, toured the University of Florida's Gulf Coast Research and Education Center to discuss the importance of cybersecurity in agricultural AI technologies, aiming to safeguard food supply chains.


April 8, 2024

CJC Alumnus Uses AI to Make Jobs Easier for Hearst Journalists

UFCJC alumnus Ryan Serpico has created the AI tool Producer-P, significantly streamlining workflow in Hearst Newspaper newsrooms by automating routine journalistic tasks. This innovation allows journalists to focus more on core reporting and less on time-consuming processes.


April 9, 2024

Empowering Citizens in the Age of AI: The Importance of Efficacy and Literacy

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed the O-S-R-O-R model to explore how AI efficacy and literacy influence public support for AI policies, revealing that greater confidence in using AI boosts engagement and policy support


April 10, 2024

Researchers create a new AI pipeline for identifying molecular interactions

Assistant Professor Alberto Perez and his team have created a groundbreaking AI-driven algorithm, the AF-CBA Pipeline, to efficiently identify molecular interactions between proteins and peptides with high accuracy and speed. This tool, which leverages advances in computational technology and AI, particularly building on Google Deepmind's AlphaFold, aims to facilitate the development of targeted therapies for diseases by predicting the structure of peptide binders to problematic proteins, with initial focus on combating viruses like murine leukemia virus and Kaposi’s sarcoma virus.

May

May 6, 2024

AI, lasers used to evaluate forest damage helps with rapid response after hurricanes

University of Florida researchers are employing AI and lidar technologies to create detailed 3D maps that assess forest damage following hurricanes. This innovative approach enables faster, more efficient environmental management and response efforts after such natural disasters.


May 6, 2024

Advancing Food Safety Monitoring Using an AI-based Sensor

Emma Holliday, a food science master's degree student at the University of Florida, is working on an innovative project to create an AI-based pathogen sensor aimed at quickly detecting Salmonella in food products. This sensor uses non-toxic dyes and machine learning to analyze gases emitted by bacteria, offering a promising solution to enhance food safety and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.


May 13, 2024

Dynamic Doppelganger: Developing Florida’s Digital Twin

The University of Florida is leading the development of Florida’s Digital Twin, a project that uses artificial intelligence and digital twin technology to create virtual models of cities like Jacksonville to improve urban planning and infrastructure decision-making. This initiative also extends to healthcare, where digital twin technology is being applied to simulate medical environments to improve patient care and training, demonstrating the broad potential of these technologies to transform various sectors.


May 15, 2024

Fins Enters Into an Education Partnership Agreement with NSA

The University of Florida (UF) has formed an Education Partnership Agreement with the National Security Agency (NSA) to enhance STEM and AI education, with initiatives led by the Florida Institute for National Security (FINS) under Dr. Damon Woodard. This partnership will grant UF students and faculty access to extensive NSA resources and expertise, specifically supporting AI-focused workforce development initiatives like the Clearable Talent Pipeline.


May 19, 2024

UF Study Uses Machine Learning To Predict Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Interruptions

Researchers at the University of Florida have created an AI-powered tool to identify patients at high risk of discontinuing their buprenorphine treatment, which is critical for managing opioid use disorder. The system, which analyzes several factors like early treatment adherence and demographic data, helps clinicians intervene more effectively to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of overdose and death.

June

June 2, 2024

AI Communication and Technology You, We and I, Robot: How Social Cognitive Theory Explains How Humans Learn from Machines

Kun Xu, assistant professor in emerging media at the University of Florida’s College of Journalism and Communications, conducts groundbreaking research on how robots can teach and influence human behavior. His study offers new insights into human-robot interaction and the evolving role of AI in education.


June 5, 2024

How AI can improve health care

Members of the University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions discussed AI's potential to enhance healthcare delivery, highlighting advancements like personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes, during a seminar led by Aprinda Indahlastari, Jim Hoover, and Noah Hammarlund.


June 5, 2024

To hire the right job candidate, humans and machines should clear up this simple miscommunication

Nearly every Fortune 500 company uses AI for hiring, but these tools may be selecting worse candidates than expected due to a miscommunication in their design. Researchers at the University of Florida found that AI algorithms, when not properly informed about the human-led second stage of hiring, may choose safer but less promising candidates, and they developed an improved algorithm that better aligns with real-world hiring processes, reducing costs and improving candidate quality.


June 7, 2024

UF Researcher developing trustworthy AI to model human behavior in natural disasters

UF researcher Xilei Zhao, Ph.D., is pioneering advanced AI models to predict human behavior during natural disasters, significantly enhancing emergency response strategies. Her work aims to ensure social equity by accurately modeling diverse populations and improving community resilience.


June 20, 2024

Study: Facial Recognition Technology in Human-Robot Interaction Enhances Users’ Robot Acceptance

A new study suggests that increasing the transparency of facial recognition technology in human-robot interaction enhances users’ social presence, reduces privacy concerns, and boosts acceptance of robots. The research, conducted by Kun Xu and colleagues from the University of Florida and Missouri Western State University, was published in New Media & Society.


June 25, 2024

UF smart sensor sends smartphone alert if mending patient is too daring on their feet

UF Health's Dr. R. James Toussaint and UF engineering professor Swarup Bhunia have developed an innovative wearable Bluetooth device to improve patient safety in orthopaedics. This device, using AI analytics to provide real-time alerts to patients and doctors, aims to prevent non-compliance with movement restrictions and could be applied to various medical and sports performance scenarios.


June 26, 2024

Students hone their dental AI skills while helping their patients

University of Florida dental students improved their cavity detection skills by over 40% after just one hour of training with Overjet’s dental AI technology, which has been integrated into the UF curriculum to prepare students for AI-driven advancements in their field. This collaboration between UF and Overjet is part of a broader initiative to enhance AI education and patient care within the College of Dentistry.


June 27, 2024

Tambellini Group awards University of Florida grand prize for inaugural Future Campus Award

The University of Florida received the grand prize in the Tambellini Group’s inaugural Future Campus Award for its innovative integration of AI across its curriculum, recognized at the Future Campus Summit in New York City. This award highlights UF's AI Across the Curriculum program and its partnership with NVIDIA, positioning UF as a national model in AI education and workforce preparation.

July

July 16, 2024

AI certificate gives UF graduates a competitive edge in the workforce

Employers seek AI expertise, and the University of Florida's AI Across the Curriculum initiative, established in 2020, equips students with valuable AI skills through comprehensive programs and certifications. Graduates like Zoe Barinaga and Angel Hernandez have seen significant career benefits and enhanced employability as a result of this training.


July 16, 2024

UF AI Innovations we Appreciate

July 16 is AI Appreciation Day, celebrating the impact of artificial intelligence and envisioning its potential for a brighter future. The University of Florida’s AI Across the Curriculum initiative, which has hired over a hundred AI-focused faculty, has pioneered many innovations, earning national recognition with the Future Campus Award from The Tambellini Group

July 16, 2024

PHHP’s 2024 AI Ph.D. Fellows named

The University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions has announced the 2024 recipients of its Ph.D. Fellowships in Artificial Intelligence, which aim to foster AI research and training among doctoral students and promote innovative ideas. The fellowship supports short-term academic growth and long-term recognition of AI advancements within the college.

July 16, 2024

Artificial intelligence transforms how UF researchers forecast and respond to disease

Jason Blackburn, Ph.D., at the University of Florida, is utilizing AI to predict anthrax outbreaks in southwest Texas by analyzing patterns in Bacillus anthracis, a soil-dwelling bacteria that threatens livestock, wildlife, and humans annually. With his extensive experience in tracking wildlife, Blackburn's research spans from genomic sequencing of the pathogen to understanding disease transmission influenced by animal interactions with the landscape.

July 23, 2024

New video test for Parkinson’s uses AI to track how the disease is progressing

Developed by Dr. Diego Guarin at the University of Florida, an AI-powered video-processing technique analyzes video recordings of Parkinson’s patients performing the finger-tapping test, helping neurologists detect subtle changes in motor symptoms that are difficult to see visually. This innovative system, which can be used via a mobile app, promises to improve patient care and support more objective evaluations of disease progression.

July 25, 2024

Space-focused accelerator begins process for applicants

The Space-Edge Accelerator, a collaborative program involving UF, UCF, ASU, Vanderbilt, Blue Origin, and the Space Foundation, aims to foster innovation in the burgeoning space economy, focusing on biomedical advancements enabled by microgravity. The accelerator offers training, expert guidance, and resources to entrepreneurs.


July 31, 2024

New AI tool predicts risk for chronic pain in cancer patients

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an AI model that can predict which breast cancer patients are at risk for chronic pain, with an accuracy of over 80%. This model could help doctors address underlying conditions and tailor treatments more effectively, enhancing patients' quality of life.

July 31, 2024

UF writing courses redefine the role of AI

Dr. Zea Miller, an assistant instructional professor at UF, integrates advanced AI tools into his writing curriculum to enhance efficiency and creativity. His innovative courses prepare students for AI-driven careers, aligning with UF's goal of leading in AI education.

August

August 15, 2024

UF scientists use AI algorithm to improve strawberry disease detection

University of Florida scientists are working year-round to support the state’s $500 million strawberry industry by improving disease control methods. Recently, UF/IFAS researchers demonstrated that AI technology can significantly enhance the accuracy of leaf wetness detection, which is crucial for forecasting fungal diseases and optimizing fungicide applications for strawberry growers.


August 20, 2024

Building digital twin tools to investigate environmental threats to health

The University of Florida has secured $3 million from the NIH to create a digital dictionary and tools that will enable the development of “digital twins” for patients, enhancing our understanding of disease. This research, part of a larger initiative to create Florida’s Digital Twin, will integrate social, ecological, and health data to better predict and manage health risks.


August 26, 2024

Award funds research to advance AI for medical record efficiency

The University of Florida received a $1 million award from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to advance AI research aimed at improving the efficiency of electronic health records through transfer learning. Led by Dr. Yonghui Wu, the three-year project will build on existing AI models to enhance the ability of computers to interpret health data across different healthcare systems, ultimately reducing costs and improving care.


August 26, 2024

UF unveils NaviGator AI, higher ed’s first comprehensive, self-service AI platform

The University of Florida has introduced NaviGator AI, a groundbreaking self-service AI platform that offers secure access to a range of AI tools, including custom-built chat and toolkit capabilities for faculty, students, and staff. Powered by UF's HiPerGator supercomputer, this initiative strengthens UF’s leadership in AI innovation, empowering the campus community with cutting-edge technology.


August 27, 2024

A new data biorepository at UF may help move the needle on pain

 The University of Florida is developing one of the world’s most data-rich biospecimen repositories, focusing on human tissue to study and treat chronic pain using artificial intelligence. Supported by $10 million in NIH funding, UF researchers aim to identify pain pathways and create personalized treatments by analyzing post-surgical samples and patient data

September

September 10, 2024

Innovative curators at UF are using AI tools to elevate museum collections

The Florida Museum of Natural History has created AI curatorial positions to develop innovative machine learning methods for analyzing its vast collections, enhancing research in fields like biodiversity and archaeology. With AI tools like computer vision and predictive models, curators such as Arthur Porto and Nicolas Gauthier are transforming how scientists study natural history, historical patterns, and human-environment interactions.


September 11, 2024

UF astronomer shares his research on exoplanets

Jason Dittmann, an assistant professor of astronomy at the University of Florida, focuses on studying exoplanets and their atmospheres, using AI tools and UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer to detect smaller planets. His work aims to understand planet formation, the potential for habitability, and the origins of the universe, supported by the resources of UF’s Astraeus Space Institute.


September 13, 2024

UF researchers using AI to improve surgical robotics

UF researchers, led by Dr. Christophe Bobda and Ph.D. student Antonio Hendricks, are using AI to analyze data from robot-assisted surgeries, identifying patterns that enhance safety and precision. Their work aims to improve autonomous surgical skill assessments and may eventually allow robots to perform micro-surgeries with greater precision than human hands.


September 13, 2024

UF AI workshop examines the use of prescriptive AI to develop strategy

The University of Florida's Data & Artificial Intelligence Symposium (DAISY) workshop, held September 8-10, gathered experts from academia, industry, and government to explore the ethical potential of prescriptive AI in decision-making. Discussions highlighted applications in medicine, public health, and economics, with keynote speakers showcasing advancements in large language models, AI standardization in research, and the future implications of AI-driven decisions on societal outcomes.


September 17, 2024

Blending AI and Journalism, POLITICO’s Andrew Briz is Transforming the Newsroom

A University of Florida alumnus, Briz pivoted from TV production to combining his passion for coding and journalism, helping to create AI-driven solutions that improve news coverage and storytelling. His projects at POLITICO, including AI-powered live event summaries and an app for legal case tracking, are shaping the future of journalism, while he remains committed to continual learning in the rapidly evolving field of AI.


September 23, 2024

Welcome to Gainesville, BOD3

The University of Florida has received one of the largest and most advanced 3D construction printers in the U.S., aimed at revolutionizing construction through AI, data analytics, and smart manufacturing. This cutting-edge technology will support interdisciplinary research, teaching, and sustainable infrastructure development, positioning UF as a leader in automated construction innovation.

October

October 2, 2024

Gainesville nurse and UF student Keliy Fordham brings her passion for pediatrics to the neonatal intensive care unit

Keliy Fordham, a Ph.D. student in UF’s College of Nursing and NICU nurse at UF Health Shands Hospital, is using machine learning to predict necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants, aiming to develop preventative strategies. Supported by a TL1 grant and driven by a passion for pediatrics, Fordham is exploring the intersection of nursing and technology, participating in projects like AI ethics and healthcare design, with plans to innovate NICU care and pursue teaching.


October 3, 2024

Alina Zare named new director of UF's Interdisciplinary Informatics and Artifici

Alina Zare, a leading AI researcher at UF, has been appointed director of the newly named Interdisciplinary Informatics and Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (IIAIRI), aiming to enhance AI research across disciplines. With a focus on areas like biomedical informatics, engineered systems, and social sciences, the institute leverages UF’s HiPerGator supercomputer and AI partnerships, boasting nearly 100 affiliated faculty and over $3 million in seed funding.


October 7, 2024

Revolutionizing Farming: UF/IFAS Researchers Create AI-Driven Weed Sprayer To Protect Tomatoes And Peppers

Doctoral student Vinay Vijayakumar and professor Yiannis Ampatzidis have created a smart-spraying system that uses AI to target weeds with high accuracy while avoiding crops, currently functioning via remote control but with plans for full automation. The prototype has garnered interest from farmers due to its precision, potential for herbicide reduction, and environmental benefits, with a product demo expected by the end of the year.


October 7, 2024

When Paleontology Meets AI, K-12 Students Find Thrilling New Ways to Study Shark Fossils

 The Shark AI program, a collaboration led by the University of Florida and supported by a $1.3-million NSF grant, blends paleontology with AI to teach K-12 students computer science and STEM concepts using fossilized shark teeth. This hands-on program, part of UF’s Scientist in Every Florida School initiative, aims to inspire STEM careers and create an AI learning blueprint for schools nationwide, with a focus on engaging Title I schools.


October 8, 2024

PHHP AI documentary selected for APHA film festival

Directed and produced by Shena Hays, a multimedia specialist at UF's College of Public Health and Health Professions, the documentary contrasts public perceptions of AI with expert insights from faculty, students, and community members. The film highlights both the opportunities and ethical challenges AI presents in public health, encouraging thoughtful consideration of its future impact.

 

November

November 1, 2024

Candice Adams-Mitchell receives NIH fellowship to improve clinician leadership in AI research

Candice J. Adams-Mitchell, a clinical associate professor at UF’s College of Public Health and Health Professions, received her third AIM-AHEAD CLINAQ Fellowship to develop AI-based predictive models and educational programs for managing speech, language, and swallowing complications in children with sickle cell disease, aiming to reduce health disparities and improve equity in healthcare.


November 8, 2024

Scientists trained AI to detect faces in pain. In goats.

Researchers at the University of Florida have developed an AI model to identify pain in goats by analyzing facial expressions, achieving an accuracy between 62% and 80% depending on testing methods. This system, which addresses longstanding challenges in animal pain assessment, could eventually support pain management in non-verbal patients, including humans.


November 8, 2024

UF Law Receives $1.3 Million Gift to Strengthen AI and Law Focus

The University of Florida Levin College of Law has received a $1.3 million gift from alumnus Gerald A. Rosenthal to enhance its focus on technology and law, funding two faculty positions and establishing the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Clinic. Led by Professor Thinh Nguyen, this clinic will provide law students with hands-on experience in legal issues related to startups and technology, preparing graduates for a legal landscape shaped by artificial intelligence and innovation.


November 15, 2024

Listen carefully: UF study could lead to better deepfake detection

A study by University of Florida researchers revealed that humans, with 73% accuracy, can detect audio deepfakes but are frequently misled by machine-generated details like accents and background noise. The findings, comparing human intuition with machine learning detectors, aim to enhance detection models to address fraud and misinformation more effectively.

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