Powerful Robots: The Big Question of Morality

Stem cell scientist sees obligation to face ethical issues

The article discusses the advancements and implications of organoid research, particularly in the field of medicine. Organoids, artificially cultivated microstructures, are being used to simulate human organs for research purposes. The Institute for Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), led by Jürgen Knoblich, is at the forefront of this research in Austria. Organoids are created from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) and can mimic the development of human organs. While they differ from actual human brains, they serve as valuable models for studying neurological diseases like autism and schizophrenia. The article also touches on the ethical considerations of organoid research, the potential for organoid-based therapies, and the role of organoids in drug development. It highlights the contributions of scientists like Shinya Yamanaka and Hans Clevers and mentions the global spread of organoid research, with hundreds of groups working on it worldwide.

"It's only the others who are sick"

The article discusses the prevalence of addiction among physicians, with a focus on Austria and comparisons to Germany. Michael Musalek, a renowned psychiatrist and psychotherapist, highlights the lack of concrete data due to the stigmatization of addiction, especially among doctors. He estimates that the rate of addiction among physicians is higher than in the general population due to easier access to addictive substances. Musalek criticizes the insufficient coverage of addiction in medical training and the lack of specialized treatment facilities in Austria. He suggests two models for addiction treatment facilities that ensure anonymity and intensive care. The article also touches on the higher suicide rates among physicians, the role of availability in addiction, and the need for better education and awareness. It mentions existing programs in Lower Austria, Spain, Norway, and the UK that support addicted physicians. The article concludes with Musalek's recommendations for doctors to seek help and the importance of recognizing addiction as a legitimate illness.

Radiologists should keep the threads in their hands

The article discusses the application of artificial intelligence in radiology, focusing on the use of artificial neural networks and deep learning to analyze medical images. David Major, a researcher at VRVis, explains how these technologies are used to categorize and segment images for diagnoses such as tuberculosis or pneumonia, and for tumor detection. Major highlights the challenges of AI in medicine, including the 'black box' problem, data bias, and the need for large datasets for training. He also discusses the limitations of AI compared to human decision-making in complex medical cases. The article touches on the potential for AI to improve efficiency in medical practices and the importance of collaboration between AI technologists and radiologists. It also mentions the impact of data protection regulations on medical data availability and the use of Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) to generate synthetic data.

Roboterethikerin warnt vor Fatalismus

The article discusses the ethical considerations surrounding intelligent devices showcased at the world's largest IT fair in Las Vegas. It raises questions about who sets the rules for robotic decision-making and the importance of imparting ethical competence to machines. Ethicists like Janina Loh advocate for public participation in the ethical debate, warning against a fatalistic belief that technological developments are unstoppable.

Midterm Elections: Anger Motivates Women to Run for Office

A record number of women are running for Congress in the upcoming U.S. midterm elections, predominantly as Democrats, driven by the women's protest movement and anger over misogynistic remarks by President Donald Trump. This includes many first-time candidates. Trump's stance on abuse allegations has also frustrated prominent Republican women.

Creative Boundaries for US Electoral Districts

In the United States, politically motivated redistricting to increase electoral success is common. However, this practice is facing increasing pressure. The Supreme Court of the United States has taken up the issue, and the Pennsylvania High Court recently ordered a new political map, which could be blocked according to US media. A reorganization would significantly weaken the Republicans in the upcoming fall election in Pennsylvania, where electoral district design has sometimes taken on bizarre geographical shapes.

Making layoffs easier: French companies use new rules

President Emmanuel Macron's first major reform, the labor market overhaul, has had tangible effects for the French. The car manufacturer PSA, which includes Peugeot and Citroen, plans to part with 1,300 employees in France this year, utilizing a newly relaxed labor law provision. Unions criticize the reform for insufficient worker protection, fearing PSA's decision may set a precedent. Experts describe the situation as flexibility without security.