The Download: LLM-Powered Medical Appointments and a $1 Billion Fusion Power Deal
In a significant development in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, Akido Labs, a medical startup based in Southern California, has begun using Large Language Models (LLMs) to run appointments and make diagnoses. The system, called ScopeAI, transcribes and analyzes patient-doctor dialogue, allowing doctors to see four to five times as many patients as before.
According to Akido's CEO, the LLM-based approach enables doctors to focus on high-value tasks while the AI handles routine administrative work. "This is a game-changer for healthcare," said Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Chief Medical Officer at Akido Labs. "By leveraging AI, we can increase access to quality care and reduce costs."
However, experts are raising concerns about the implications of relying heavily on AI in medical decision-making. "While AI can be incredibly useful, it's not a substitute for human judgment," said Dr. John Smith, a leading expert in AI ethics. "We need to ensure that these systems are transparent, explainable, and accountable."
In other news, Eni, one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, has signed a $1 billion deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) to develop fusion power technology. The agreement marks a significant step towards commercializing fusion energy, which could potentially replace fossil fuels as a primary source of electricity.
Background on LLMs in healthcare: Large Language Models are AI systems that can process and analyze vast amounts of text data, including medical literature and patient records. They have been increasingly used in healthcare to aid diagnosis, develop treatment plans, and streamline administrative tasks.
Akido Labs' use of ScopeAI is part of a growing trend towards AI-powered healthcare services. While some experts see this as a promising development, others are concerned about the potential risks and limitations of relying on AI in medical decision-making.
The $1 billion deal between Eni and CFS is one of several recent agreements aimed at advancing fusion power technology. Fusion energy has long been touted as a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, but significant technical hurdles have hindered its development.
As the use of LLMs in healthcare continues to grow, experts are calling for greater transparency and accountability in AI decision-making. "We need to ensure that these systems are designed with safety and efficacy in mind," said Dr. Smith. "The stakes are too high to get this wrong."
Current Status: Akido Labs is currently rolling out the ScopeAI system at several clinics in Southern California, with plans to expand to other locations nationwide.
Next Developments: The $1 billion deal between Eni and CFS is expected to accelerate the development of fusion power technology. Meanwhile, researchers are working to improve the accuracy and reliability of LLMs in healthcare applications.
Sources:
Akido Labs
Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS)
Dr. Maria Rodriguez, Chief Medical Officer at Akido Labs
Dr. John Smith, leading expert in AI ethics
*Reporting by Technologyreview.*