Latest news with #UniversityofTurku
Metro
5 days ago
- Health
- Metro
People aren't ready to let robots and AI decide on euthanisia, study finds
You'd probably let AI compose an email for you. Going over a medical scan to check for signs of cancer? Most likely, yes as well. But deciding when life support should be switched off for a patient in a coma? A new study has shown there's one clear line where we don't yet want a robot to take control, and that is deciding on the time of death. This may not be entirely surprising, given most would hope for humanity at the end of life. And so far, there are no healthcare providers which do allow AI to decide on when to switch off life support. But as both artificial intelligence and assisted dying are set to become more and more of a part of global healthcare systems, it's a question that is set to become more relevant – so researchers have looked at our attitudes towards such a prospect. An international study led by the University of Turku reveals that people are significantly less likely to accept euthanasia decisions made by artificial intelligence (AI) or robots compared to those made by human doctors. Participants in Finland, Czechia, and the UK were told about scenarios where patients were in end-of-life care, often in a coma. Even when decisions about ending life support were exactly the same, they were accepted less if made by AI than by humans. In other words, how we feel about a decision is not only about whether it was the right or wrong call, but who made it and how. Researchers called this phenomenon the 'Human-Robot Moral Judgment Asymmetry Effect', saying we hold robots to a higher moral standard. However, if the decision was to keep life-support switched on, or if patients could request assisted death themselves, there was no judgement asymmetry between the decisions made by humans and AI. The findings echo similar conclusions by AI experts, who say humans are not yet at a point to accept giving AI responsibility for serious decisions about our lives. A survey of the future of AI in the workplace by Microsoft found that in decisions which require accountability, we still want humans to be the ones making the call. Speaking after the report's release, Alexia Cambon, senior research director at the company, told Metro that there was a 'primal question' over how we should manage this new type of intelligence. She cited a recent paper by AI thinker Daniel Susskind, looking at what work will remain for humans to do once AI has thoroughly integrated into the workplace. 'One of them is the moral imperatives of society,' she said. 'As a society, I can't see a shortterm future anyway in which we will be happy for agents to manage humans. 'An agent can't make me feel seen, an agent can't can't make me feel connected to another human.' Mr Susskind said his view would be that ultimately, the paid work left for humans would be 'none at all', but that there are currently 'moral limits,' where human beings believe they require a 'human in the loop'. More Trending Michael Laakasuo, the lead investigator in the assisted dying study, said: 'Our research highlights the complex nature of moral judgements when considering AI decision-making in medical care. 'People perceive AI's involvement in decision-making very differently compared to when a human is in charge. 'The implications of this research are significant as the role of AI in our society and medical care expands every day. 'It is important to understand the experiences and reactions of ordinary people so that future systems can be perceived as morally acceptable.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Aldi salmon recalled in the US over fears of 'life-threatening' risk MORE: Travel warnings to Brits visiting Turkey over 'organ harvesting' after Beth Martin's 'heart removed' MORE: 'When I die, who will look after my special needs son?'
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
People Accept Euthanasia Decisions Made by AIs Less Than Those Made by Humans
The role of AI in medical decision-making elicits different reactions in people when compared with human doctors. 'The implications of this research are significant as the role of AI in our society and medical care expands every day.'— University Lecturer Michael Laakasuo TURKU, FINLAND, May 27, 2025 / / -- The role of AI in medical decision-making elicits different reactions in people when compared with human doctors. A new study investigated the situations where the acceptance differs and why with stories that described medical cases. People accept the euthanasia decisions made by robots and AI less than those made by human doctors, finds a new study. The international study, led by the University of Turku in Finland, investigated people's moral judgements on the decisions made by AI and robots as well as humans on end-of-life care regarding people in a coma. The research team conducted the study in Finland, Czechia, and Great Britain by telling the research subjects stories that described medical cases. The project's Principal Investigator, University Lecturer Michael Laakasuo from the University of Turku, explains that the phenomenon where people hold some of the decisions made by AI and robots to a higher standard than similar decisions made by humans is called the Human-Robot moral judgement asymmetry effect. 'However, it is still a scientific mystery in which decisions and situations the moral judgement asymmetry effect emerges. Our team studied various situational factors related to the emergence of this phenomenon and the acceptance of moral decisions,' says Laakasuo. Humans Are Perceived as More Competent Decision-makers According to the research findings, the phenomenon where people were less likely to accept euthanasia decisions made by AI or a robot than by a human doctor occurred regardless of whether the machine was in an advisory role or the actual decision-maker. If the decision was to keep the life-support system on, there was no judgement asymmetry between the decisions made by humans and Ai. However, in general, the research subjects preferred the decisions where life support was turned off rather than kept on. The difference in acceptance between human and AI decision-makers disappeared in situations where the patient, in the story told to the research subjects, was awake and requested euthanasia themselves, for example, by lethal injection. The research team also found that the moral judgement asymmetry is at least partly caused by people regarding AI as a less competent decision-maker than humans. 'AI's ability to explain and justify its decisions was seen as limited, which may help explain why people accept AI into clinical roles less.' Experiences with AI Play an Important Role According to Laakasuo, the findings suggest that patient autonomy is key when it comes to the application of AI in healthcare. 'Our research highlights the complex nature of moral judgements when considering AI decision-making in medical care. People perceive AI's involvement in decision-making very differently compared to when a human is in charge,' he says. 'The implications of this research are significant as the role of AI in our society and medical care expands every day. It is important to understand the experiences and reactions of ordinary people so that future systems can be perceived as morally acceptable.' The research article was published in the journal Cognition. Michael Laakasuo University of Turku [email protected] Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Out Of The Four Grandparents, A Study Has Shown This One Has The Deepest Impact On Their Grandkids
If you've ever known the relief of a grandmother's embrace or the comfort of pulling up in her driveway and knowing that a hot meal was waiting for you, then you probably don't need any research to tell you that a grandmother's presence has restorative effects. Though we can't precisely quantify the effect of a grandmother's love, a new study offers statistical proof that grandmothers do help children weather life's hardships. How do grandmothers protect us? Researchers at the University of Turku, in Finland, looked at data collected in a 2007 survey completed by 1,566 English and Welsh youth, ages 11 to 16. Youth who lived with their grandparents or who did not have at least one living grandparent were excluded from the study. The survey included a behavioral screening questionnaire to measure the young people's emotional and behavioral problems. 'Our main finding was that investment from maternal grandmothers seemed to be able to protect their grandchild from the negative influence of experiencing multiple adverse early-life experiences,' Samuli Helle, the lead researcher, told HuffPost. 'Adverse childhood experiences' is a phrase psychologists and others use to describe 'traumatic events or difficult circumstances that happened between the ages of 0 to 17,' Whitney Raglin Bignall, associate clinical director for the Kids Mental Health Foundation, explained to HuffPost. Examples, she said, might include 'abuse, neglect, having an incarcerated caregiver, witnessing violence,' living with a caregiver with substance abuse issues or living in poverty or in an under-resourced setting. Though not every person who has an adverse childhood experience will go on to have issues, they are more likely to — and this likelihood increases with every additional trauma. In childhood, Bignall said, these experiences may 'change brain development and impact their body's response to stress,' 'negatively impact their ability to develop healthy relationships,' 'impact their ability to pay attention, learn and make decisions' and 'lead to poor mental health.' In adulthood, a person is also more likely to experience mental health problems as well as substance use issues and chronic physical health concerns, such as diabetes, asthma and cancer. So having the ability to prevent adverse childhood experiences, or to blunt their effect somehow, can have a positive influence on a person for many years. This is where the grandmothers come in. Kids who had adverse childhood experiences were less likely to show the negative effects of these experiences as they grew if there was a maternal grandmother in their life who offered support, such as child care or financial assistance. Interestingly, the researchers found this protective, or 'buffering,' effect only with maternal grandmothers, not other grandparents. Helle said that this finding was expected and in line with an evolutionary theory known as the grandmother hypothesis, which states that by helping to care for children, grandmothers increase their daughter's fertility. Helle cautioned, however, that the University of Turku study reveals an average statistical pattern and that in real life there may be numerous examples of grandfathers or paternal grandmothers providing the same care to the same protective effect. Helle also noted that this buffering effect isn't powerful enough to completely erase the impact of trauma. 'Not even the highest level of investment from maternal grandmothers seen in these data was able to fully safeguard grandchildren from the negative effects of adverse early-life experiences,' he said. Because the effect of adverse events in childhood lasts for many years, so may a grandmother's buffering. 'By being able to protect their grandchildren from the 'full impact' of adverse life events, maternal grandmothers' investment in their grandchildren can produce a long-lasting impact on the development and wellbeing of these children,' Helle said. How to support a child facing hardship. One of the best ways to counter the harm of an adverse childhood experience is for the child to have a strong support system, Bignall said. 'This includes having an ongoing and trusting relationship with an adult. An involved grandmother who is consistent, loving and available can be an essential buffer for children,' she explained. No matter what role you play in a child's life, she recommended the following ways to support a child who is facing hardship: Provide consistent routines. Provide a stable environment. Have clear expectations. Be open, honest, nonjudgmental and warm. Model healthy ways to manage stress. Provide praise and encouragement. Share your family's culture and traditions to increase a sense of belonging. Provide opportunities to connect with other adults who can help provide supportive relationships. With all of their experience and wisdom, grandparents in particular are able to pass along culture and traditions in addition to offering support and guidance. 'There is something that is very special about the love of a grandparent, and when given it is uniquely additive to children,' Bignall said. This article originally appeared on HuffPost.
Buzz Feed
27-04-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
Out Of The Four Grandparents, A Study Has Shown This One Has The Deepest Impact On Their Grandkids
If you've ever known the relief of a grandmother's embrace or the comfort of pulling up in her driveway and knowing that a hot meal was waiting for you, then you probably don't need any research to tell you that a grandmother's presence has restorative effects. Though we can't precisely quantify the effect of a grandmother's love, a new study offers statistical proof that grandmothers do help children weather life's hardships. How do grandmothers protect us? Researchers at the University of Turku, in Finland, looked at data collected in a 2007 survey completed by 1,566 English and Welsh youth, ages 11 to 16. Youth who lived with their grandparents or who did not have at least one living grandparent were excluded from the study. The survey included a behavioral screening questionnaire to measure the young people's emotional and behavioral problems. 'Our main finding was that investment from maternal grandmothers seemed to be able to protect their grandchild from the negative influence of experiencing multiple adverse early-life experiences,' Samuli Helle, the lead researcher, told HuffPost. 'Adverse childhood experiences' is a phrase psychologists and others use to describe 'traumatic events or difficult circumstances that happened between the ages of 0 to 17,' Whitney Raglin Bignall, associate clinical director for the Kids Mental Health Foundation, explained to HuffPost. Examples, she said, might include 'abuse, neglect, having an incarcerated caregiver, witnessing violence,' living with a caregiver with substance abuse issues or living in poverty or in an under-resourced setting. Though not every person who has an adverse childhood experience will go on to have issues, they are more likely to — and this likelihood increases with every additional trauma. In childhood, Bignall said, these experiences may 'change brain development and impact their body's response to stress,' 'negatively impact their ability to develop healthy relationships,' 'impact their ability to pay attention, learn and make decisions' and 'lead to poor mental health.' In adulthood, a person is also more likely to experience mental health problems as well as substance use issues and chronic physical health concerns, such as diabetes, asthma and cancer. So having the ability to prevent adverse childhood experiences, or to blunt their effect somehow, can have a positive influence on a person for many years. This is where the grandmothers come in. Kids who had adverse childhood experiences were less likely to show the negative effects of these experiences as they grew if there was a maternal grandmother in their life who offered support, such as child care or financial assistance. Interestingly, the researchers found this protective, or 'buffering,' effect only with maternal grandmothers, not other grandparents. Helle said that this finding was expected and in line with an evolutionary theory known as the grandmother hypothesis, which states that by helping to care for children, grandmothers increase their daughter's fertility. Helle cautioned, however, that the University of Turku study reveals an average statistical pattern and that in real life there may be numerous examples of grandfathers or paternal grandmothers providing the same care to the same protective effect. Helle also noted that this buffering effect isn't powerful enough to completely erase the impact of trauma. 'Not even the highest level of investment from maternal grandmothers seen in these data was able to fully safeguard grandchildren from the negative effects of adverse early-life experiences,' he said. Because the effect of adverse events in childhood lasts for many years, so may a grandmother's buffering. 'By being able to protect their grandchildren from the 'full impact' of adverse life events, maternal grandmothers' investment in their grandchildren can produce a long-lasting impact on the development and wellbeing of these children,' Helle said. How to support a child facing hardship. One of the best ways to counter the harm of an adverse childhood experience is for the child to have a strong support system, Bignall said. 'This includes having an ongoing and trusting relationship with an adult. An involved grandmother who is consistent, loving and available can be an essential buffer for children,' she explained. No matter what role you play in a child's life, she recommended the following ways to support a child who is facing hardship: Provide consistent routines. Provide a stable environment. Have clear expectations. Be open, honest, nonjudgmental and warm. Model healthy ways to manage stress. Provide praise and encouragement. Share your family's culture and traditions to increase a sense of belonging. Provide opportunities to connect with other adults who can help provide supportive relationships. With all of their experience and wisdom, grandparents in particular are able to pass along culture and traditions in addition to offering support and guidance. 'There is something that is very special about the love of a grandparent, and when given it is uniquely additive to children,' Bignall said.
Shafaq News
31-03-2025
- Science
- Shafaq News
Iraqi hunter snags rare copper-black serpent
Shafaq News/ An Iraqi snake hunter has captured one of the rarest and most unusual venomous snakes in the country, a copper-black serpent found in the rugged terrain of the Makhoul Mountains in Saladin Province after a prolonged search. Ahmed Sultan Ahmed, a 30-year-old snake hunter, told Shafaq News that he and his team had been searching for this particular species for a long time. 'This snake is extremely rare in Iraq's environment, distinguished by its copper-black coloration,' he said. Ahmed explained that his team spotted the serpent in the Makhoul Mountains, prompting him to rush to the location. "As soon as my friends reported its presence, I immediately went to the site, wearing protective gloves to safeguard myself from its lethal bite," he said. The snake, considered one of Iraq's most dangerous venomous species, has a bite potent enough to be fatal. Ahmed has transported the captured reptile to his home, where he keeps it in a specially designed-enclosure for rare and exotic snakes. A specialist in handling deadly snakes, the young hunter emphasized that his work is not for food or trade but rather a profession requiring expertise in capturing some of the most dangerous creatures on Earth. On Tuesday, Dhi Qar University confirmed the discovery of a new spider species in southern Iraq, identified through joint research with Finland's University of Turku.
