3 ways artificial intelligence is already making the world better

Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to make headlines, often focusing on its potential dangers rather than its benefits. However, amidst the fear and uncertainty, it is crucial to spotlight how AI is already improving lives in various fields. Here, we explore three significant ways artificial intelligence is enhancing our world: revolutionizing healthcare, accelerating scientific discovery, and improving disaster preparedness.

### Revolutionizing Healthcare

One of the most promising applications of AI can be found in the healthcare sector. Doctors are notoriously burdened with administrative tasks, spending about two hours on paperwork for every hour spent with patients. This relentless cycle often leads to clinician burnout, a situation that negatively impacts patient care. Fortunately, AI is stepping in to alleviate some of this burden.

AI-powered systems, referred to as “AI scribes,” are being adopted by healthcare providers nationwide. These systems use natural language processing to automatically document doctor-patient interactions, updating medical records while allowing physicians to focus on patient care. For example, pilot studies involving AI scribes have shown that daily documentation time can be reduced from 90 minutes to under 30 minutes.

These developments not only free up doctors’ time but also enhance the quality of care. By automatically integrating new patient information with existing medical records, AI can generate insights that human practitioners might overlook. As Dr. Lance Owens, a regional chief medical information officer, noted, the potential insights provided by AI could be invaluable in improving patient outcomes.

### Accelerating Scientific Discovery

Another arena where artificial intelligence shines is in scientific research, particularly in solving complex biological problems. One standout example is DeepMind’s AlphaFold, an AI model capable of predicting the three-dimensional structures of proteins based solely on their amino acid sequences. This advancement is monumental, as understanding protein structures is essential for developing new medications and therapies.

Traditionally, researchers could spend years deciphering protein structures through labor-intensive lab work. In contrast, AlphaFold can perform these calculations in mere seconds, with accuracy comparable to gold-standard experimental methods. This has significant implications for domains like drug development, enabling faster progress in treating diseases such as Huntington’s disease and combating antibiotic resistance.

Moreover, DeepMind’s choice to open-source AlphaFold3 for academic use has democratized access to this cutting-edge tool, allowing a broader range of researchers—particularly in non-commercial settings—to harness its capabilities. This could lead to breakthroughs in fields that impact health, agriculture, and beyond.

### Improving Disaster Preparedness

Natural disasters pose significant threats, especially to vulnerable communities in developing countries. Here, AI can act as a lifesaving resource. The Google Flood Hub—a AI-powered platform—provides seven-day flood forecasts to approximately 700 million people across 100 countries. By combining a global hydrology model with inundation mapping, the system can predict flooding levels and generate high-resolution maps. These forecasts equip individuals and communities to prepare and respond appropriately to imminent disasters.

The Flood Hub is particularly vital for areas lacking advanced forecasting technologies. In wealthier nations, robust infrastructure exists to monitor and warn against extreme weather; however, many poorer countries do not share this advantage. AI’s ability to streamline flood predictions reduces the costs and labor involved, extending crucial early warning capabilities to those most in need.

Additionally, innovative partnerships are emerging to bolster the effectiveness of these flood warnings. NGOs like GiveDirectly have started to utilize Flood Hub data to send cash aid to families shortly before a predicted flood. This proactive approach allows those at risk to better prepare, reinforcing the idea that AI can foster compassionate and effective solutions in humanitarian efforts.

### Conclusion

While it’s easy to focus on the potential pitfalls of artificial intelligence, such as job displacement and ethical dilemmas, recognizing its positive impacts is equally important. AI is, fundamentally, a tool—one that holds immense potential for improving our world, provided we harness it wisely.

The benefits of AI in revolutionizing healthcare, accelerating scientific discovery, and enhancing disaster preparedness showcase the positive transformations technology can bring. These advancements can help us overcome some of society’s most pressing challenges. Ultimately, the narrative around artificial intelligence should balance caution with acknowledgment of its promise. AI has the potential to be a force for good, and it is up to us to shape its trajectory for the betterment of society.

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