Federal Funding Fuels AI Medical Research
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is backing ambitious projects across South Dakota aimed at harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical research. The goal is to tackle formidable health challenges such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and diabetes, but a crucial component is missing: vast amounts of data. Data from government agencies, healthcare facilities, and research organizations is vital to train AI systems effectively.
Importance of Data in AI
Susan Gregurick from the NIH emphasized the necessity of real-time, high-quality data. "Data is what drives artificial intelligence," she stated. The NIH has already invested nearly $1 billion since 2019 in AI and machine learning research, with $296 million allocated in 2023 alone.
Example: Predicting Alzheimer's
Bill Harris, a University of South Dakota professor, secured a $506,000 grant from the NIH. His work involves using AI to analyze patterns in blood samples to predict Alzheimer's disease sooner.
AIM-AHEAD Program
South Dakota State University's project falls under the NIH's AIM-AHEAD initiative, which promotes health equity. Led by Professor Semhar Michael, the project uses machine learning to explore health disparities in end-stage kidney disease, supported by a $1 million grant.
Privacy and Data Security Concerns
Lyric Jorgenson of the NIH underscores the importance of protecting patient data. Anonymizing data and securing informed consent are critical steps. Jorgenson compares it to "putting information in a safe."
Storing data in the cloud offers better security controls compared to physical drives, enabling precise tracking of data access. This is essential for maintaining privacy and ethical standards in research.
South Dakota's Role in AI Advancement
Senator Mike Rounds advocates for South Dakota to become a hub for AI development. With institutions like Dakota State University focusing on cybersecurity and data science, the state is well-poised to contribute significantly to AI research.
Rounds stresses the importance of investing in data quality to ensure effective AI models. "These huge databases have got to be accurate," he noted.
Encouraging AI Development
Rounds urges lawmakers to create policies that support AI progress without hindering innovation. Educating the next generation in AI and fostering a conducive business environment are key steps.
By incentivizing AI database development, South Dakota could become a pivotal location for future technological advancements. "It becomes a nexus for other things to happen," Rounds commented.
