ZotGPT launch; demystifying birth defects

March 26, 2024

A clear sky accents the colorful Social & Behavioral Sciences Gateway building. (Photo: Sia Aggarwal)

UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

UCI launches custom artificial intelligence tool

UCI has deployed a customized generative artificial intelligence program called ZotGPT Chat. One of the first of its kind in the UC system, the tool enables school affiliates to explore AI in a safer, tailor-made environment. It officially launched for faculty and staff in early January, with student access forthcoming. In addition to ZotGPT Chat, UCI offers a variety of vendor-based products/services in the ZotGPT portfolio.

Study unlocks birth defect origins

(above, from left) Anne Calof, a professor of anatomy and neurobiology; Stephenson Chea, a developmental and cell biology graduate student researcher; and Arthur Lander, Donald Bren Professor and Distinguished Professor of developmental and cell biology

A new UCI-led study revealed a potential shift in basic knowledge of the origins of birth defects, which affect about 3% of babies born in the United States each year. The findings offer new avenues of exploration for early detection and prevention. The researchers included (above, from left) Anne Calof, a professor of anatomy and neurobiology; Stephenson Chea, a developmental and cell biology graduate student researcher; and Arthur Lander, Donald Bren Professor and Distinguished Professor of developmental and cell biology. Their work identified genetic interactions during the earliest stages of embryonic development that predicted birth defects characteristic of Cornelia de Lange syndrome and may offer clues about the genetic origins of many types of birth defects.

Protecting long- and short-term memory

Memory loss can be a distressing part of the aging process. UCI Health neuropsychologist Hayley Kristinsson shares some tips for managing short-term memory difficulties and slowing further loss.

UC NEWS

Women in Tech honorees

For Women’s History Month, the University of California Women in Technology, alongside teams from every UC location, has recognized 14 women for their dedication to advancing in information technology. The 2024 Women Rock IT recipients include UCI’s Xanat Hernandez, director of communications for the Office of the Vice Chancellor Data and Information Technology, and Dr. Deepti Pandita, chief medical informatics officer at UCI Health.

#IamUCI

Alumna uses business skills to promote health equity

Growing up as the child of Mexican immigrants in Santa Ana, Sarah Lopez observed her community's resilience in the face of healthcare challenges. This background, combined with her experience in medicine and an MBA from the Merage School, inspired Lopez to dedicate her life to promoting health equity. Now working as chief medical officer at Zocalo Health, which provides affordable care for California’s Latino community, she sees telehealth as an important tool, based on evidence that outcomes are better if patients have a physician who is culturally aligned with them. With relatively few Latino doctors in the country, telehealth enables those doctors to see patients without geographical barriers. “I can be here in Orange County and see patients all over California,” Lopez said. “They can have access to a Latina physician who understands their culture.”

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