Tech & AI vs. climate change; combating elder isolation

Feb. 27, 2024

A Petr drop causes a run in Aldrich Park to claim the prized stickers. (Photo: Steve Zylius/UCI)

UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

Will AI and technology help or worsen climate change?

Bill Tomlinson, a professor of informatics

Researchers at UCI and two other schools suggest that industrial civilization’s best way forward in combating climate change may entail embracing technological advancements but with greater awareness of their potential drawbacks. The researchers, led by Bill Tomlinson (above), a professor of informatics, argue that innovations, particularly in the fields of clean energy and artificial intelligence, will come with risks, but may be the most effective path to a sustainable future.

Combating elder isolation

Patient Project volunteers work on an arts-and-crafts activity with a resident at Irvine’s Inn at Woodbridge senior living community. Maracelle Nasrat / Patient Project

Aiming to lessen loneliness, a group of Anteaters travels to senior centers across Orange County every week to spend time with residents and engage in interactive activities – with bingo being the biggest draw. The Patient Project is an undergraduate club whose members originally accompanied people in hospital waiting rooms. Currently paired with five senior living communities, the endeavor brings student volunteers and residents together to converse, play games, work on arts and crafts, and listen to music.

Study compares human and insect vision

Philip Kiser, an associate professor of physiology & biophysics and ophthalmology

UCI researchers led by Philip Kiser, an associate professor of physiology & biophysics as well as ophthalmology, have discovered important similarities and differences between humans and insects in the production of the critical light-absorbing molecule of the retina. The findings deepen understanding of how mutations in the RPE65 enzyme cause retinal diseases, especially Leber congenital amaurosis, which causes childhood blindness.

UC NEWS

UC and assemblywoman push donor milk bill

On Monday, the University of California and Assemblywoman Dr. Akilah Weber announced a bill that would help eliminate disparities in obtaining donated human milk for newborns in need. While donor milk is a covered benefit under Medi-Cal, AB 3059 would ensure that it is covered under commercial plans.

#UCIconnected

Alum’s bug-catching gizmo is a hit on ‘Shark Tank’

Justin Huang UCI alum appears on Shark Tank

Last Friday, Justin Huang ’10 appeared on “Shark Tank” to pitch his invention, Cup-a-Bug, designed to safely catch and relocate insects that find their way into homes. Amid a bidding war among the show’s hosts, celebrity investor Mark Cuban offered Huang $75,000 in return for 20% of the profits from his invention. Huang is the second Anteater in recent months to appear on “Shark Tank.” In October, John Batarse ’05 and his two children joined the show to pitch Glove Wrap, a product designed to break in baseball, softball and hockey mitts.

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