Fazmina Imamudeen explores our wacky and wonderful world

CYBERSTALKING CEO and cofounder of Certifi AI Melissa Hutchins launched the Seattle startup upon witnessing a proliferation of deepfake content and experiencing cyberstalking firsthand.

Motivated by personal trauma after receiving threatening messages, Hutchins aims to empower women and girls who are targeted by deepfake perpetrators. Certifi AI is developing technology to identify and mitigate the harm caused by malicious deepfakes, particularly those exploiting women.

Her startup endeavours to provide law enforcement and media platforms with tools to recognise and remove illicit deepfake content swiftly. She envisions offering these resources directly to victims for self-protection.

While the legal system’s response to cyberstalking and deepfake abuse remains limited, Hutchins advocates for technological solutions to combat these threats.

Despite initial bootstrap funding and a small team, Certifi AI is targeting a product release later this year. Hutchins emphasises the importance of female leadership in addressing such issues, and leverages her unique perspective and experiences to drive innovation in the field.

Collaboration with the likes of TrueMedia.org underscores her commitment to collective efforts against deepfake exploitation.

CANCER TESTING Regulatory approval has been granted in the UK for a revolutionary ‘at home’ testing kit designed to ease the burden on cancer patients by reducing the time they spend in hospitals.

This innovative device – known as ‘Liberty’ – enables patients to conduct blood tests independently and transmit the results remotely without the need for supervision. Developed following trials at Christie Hospital in Manchester, Liberty is set to be implemented across 12 National Health Service (NHS) sites in the UK.

The device is about the size of a small printer, and represents a significant step forward in cancer care. Cancer survivor Lynn Thompson, who participated in the trial, attests to its effectiveness in alleviating the stress and anxiety associated with hospital visits.

By empowering patients to manage their health from the comfort of their homes, Liberty promises to enhance both patient experience and NHS productivity.

Though initial trials show promising results, Cancer Research UK urges caution and emphasises the need for further research to ascertain the device’s broader effectiveness in patient care.

CEO of Entia Mark Umberger remains optimistic about its potential to revolutionise healthcare delivery by empowering patients and enabling proactive management of their health. Entia is the company that manufactures Liberty.

FUTURE PRINTING The University of Maine has introduced the ‘Factory of the Future 1.0’ (FoF 1.0), marking a milestone as the world’s largest polymer 3D printer. This technology has the ability to fabricate objects up to 30 metres long and heralds potential for diverse applications.

While primarily envisioned for producing components rather than entire structures, FoF 1.0 offers prospects for various industries and sectors including construction, maritime and renewable energy.

Programme Director at Brunel University Dr. Eujin Pei underscores its significance in historical restoration and post-disaster reconstruction endeavours.

Meanwhile, the University of Maine emphasises its commitment to sustainability by prioritising eco-friendly materials such as recycled polymers and residual wood from local sawmills.

This cutting-edge printer, which is supported by the US military, integrates advanced technologies such as sensors, high-performance computing and AI to elevate manufacturing capabilities that reach unprecedented heights.

Despite its potential, the proliferation of 3D printing also raises pertinent security concerns, as evidenced by documented cases of criminal misuse. As such, responsible regulation and vigilant oversight are imperative to ensuring its ethical and safe deployment.

DIGITAL VITAMIN A study conducted by the Oxford Internet Institute (OII) involving data from 168 countries indicates a consistent association between internet access and positive wellbeing.

Despite growing concerns about online harm, particularly regarding social media, research suggests that overall internet usage contributes to greater life satisfaction and social wellbeing.

Professor of Human Behaviour and Technology at the University of Oxford Prof. Andrew Przybylski and his team rely on data rather than anecdotal evidence when formulating regulations to ensure online safety especially for young people.

Analysing data from some two million individuals across various regions, researchers found that internet access correlated with higher levels of life satisfaction and social wellbeing in 85 percent of cases.

Negative associations however, particularly among young women aged between 15 and 24, were observed in five percent of instances. While the study doesn’t establish causation, it aligns with previous reports linking social media use to depressive symptoms among young women.

Acknowledging the study’s limitations – including the inability to establish cause and effect – Przybylski underscores the need for evidence-based policy-making to effectively protect young people online.