What jobs can not be replaced by AI? What jobs can AI potentially create?
The 2024 WLA Prize Laureates Jon Kleinberg, the Tisch University Professor of Computer Science and Information Science at Cornell University and Jeremy Nathans, the Bloomberg Distinguished Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine delivered a keynote lecture on this topic jointly at the 9th Shanghai Master Forum on Science on October 21.
Kleinberg: Equality and Diversity are Required to Overcome Bias of Algorithm
Kleinberg, who earned his Ph.D. from MIT at the age of 25, went on to publish his seminal paper on “The HITS Algorithm for External Networks” just three years later. Committed to interdisciplinary collaboration, he strives to apply AI more effectively, ethically, and equitably within society. His current work is centered on algorithmic fairness, with a particular emphasis on how algorithms aid human decision-making processes.
Kleinberg has categorized the evolution of computer science over the past three decades into three distinct stages. With the advent of social media, the internet has acquired new dimensions—enabling interactions between people and machines within social networks. This has led to an explosion of sharing, forwarding, and virtual community information, culminating in the formation of an internet ecosystem that encapsulates a vast array of human behaviors.
Since 2014, AI technology has propelled the internet into its third developmental phase. Kleinberg highlighted that algorithms have been pivotal in this evolution, as they are capable of managing vast quantities of information and distilling valuable insights from it.
Kleinberg's team has conducted an in-depth analysis of millions of users' photos, search engine queries, and mobile device location data to pinpoint hotspots of human activity across the globe. These hotspots represent not just physical congregations but also epicenters of social engagement during particular timeframes. He posits that the surfaces of data are rich with meaning, and that large-scale models have the potential to uncover even deeper insights.
For many years, Kleinberg has been delving into the complex issue of defining and achieving algorithmic fairness, particularly in the context of algorithms aiding human decision-making processes. He approaches the concept of fairness as a multifaceted issue, advocating for the consideration of various metrics to ensure equity across different dimensions.
Kleinberg emphasized the importance of contemplating the potential impact of algorithms on human life and future generations. He pointed out that beyond issues of bias, algorithms may also be prone to cultural homogeneity. He argues that when utilizing algorithmic tools, it is imperative for designers, users, and researchers to uphold a degree of diversity.
Jeremy Nathans: I’m Not the Smartest, but I Excel Tough Works
As a geneticist, Jeremy Nathans has made groundbreaking discoveries in the molecular foundations of human color vision. Through his genetic research, he has shed light on the mechanisms of retinal development and their relationship to inherited eye diseases. Simultaneously, Nathans has ventured into the realm of gene therapy for diseases of the visual system, forging new paths for research and clinical applications in the field of visual science.
The human body is equipped with three distinct types of color vision genes—those responsible for sensing red, blue, and green light, each tuned to different wavelengths. Nathans has pinpointed three critical amino acids in rhodopsin that substantially impact the perception of red and green hues. Variations in these amino acids can alter an individual's color sensitivity, thereby influencing how we interpret the vibrant spectrum of light.
Nathans expressed his belief that some individuals possess a unique color vision, one that deviates from the majority, and attributed this variation to genetic factors. He conducted research into the genetic roots of visual disorders, highlighting the prevalence of genetic diversity in color perception. According to Nathans, the genes responsible for detecting long and medium wavelengths of light are located on the same chromosome. This genetic proximity results in the rich tapestry of human color vision through the process of gene recombination.
Nathans analyzed his own DNA sequence and found the common human configuration of one red and two green color vision genes. He explained that anomalies in the recombination or deletion of these closely located genes can lead to red-green color blindness, a condition that affects the way individuals perceive certain hues.
He highlighted the role of X-chromosome inactivation in explaining the higher prevalence of color blindness among males compared to females. He pointed out that the majority of color vision genes are located on the X chromosome, and mutations in these genes can lead to color blindness. Since females have two X chromosomes, one can potentially compensate for the other in case of a mutation. In contrast, males, who have only one X chromosome, are more likely to exhibit color blindness if their single X chromosome carries a defective gene.
To explore this further, Nathans and his team conducted a study with genetically modified mice. These modifications enabled the mice to perceive new colors and pass a trichromatic vision test, highlighting the potential for therapeutic interventions for color blindness in humans.
This discovery showcases the remarkable adaptability of the visual system. When asked about using X-chromosome inactivation for gene therapy, Nathans suggested that it might help address some female-specific genetic disorders.
He emphasized that scientific investigation is akin to peeling an onion, revealing deeper layers of complexity as research progresses. Despite extensive research, the specific mechanisms remain elusive, and further exploration is necessary.
WU Xinbao, vice chairmen of CPPCC Shanghai Committee, attended the forum. JIN Li, president of Fudan University and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, presided over the forum.
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Presented by Fudan University Media Center
Writer: LIU Zhengliang, WANG Jingyang
Editor: WANG Mengqi, LI Yijie
Designer: CHEN Shuyang
