AI Literacy in practice: What HR and Leaders need to do | A European Union Perspective

AI Literacy in practice: What HR and Leaders need to do.

You can watch the full webinar here

The AI ACT, passed by the European Union, established regulators concerning the use of AI in healthcare.

The EU is far ahead of the United States in terms of regulations for AI overall, not just in healthcare applications.

AI CHECKLIST     Sample Result

The ACT Text

NEWSLETTER:  Welcome to the FullStack HR AI Brief, the podcast that dives deep into the revolutionary intersection of artificial inte

Preparation for AI should already be well underway. There are many resources available on social media, webinars, and videos.

 Confusion can occur since many LLMs are competing for your attention. Generative AI has become dominant in constructing information relative to your needs in HR or otherwise.

Popular consumer GAI is offered by Microsoft, Google, OpenAI as well as many others.

How Bright is the Future of GAI?

A webinar on the application of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) in health professional education. Led by faculty members and enriched by perspectives from students, this session will showcase a graduate-level assessment example utilizing GAI. Explore how GAI technologies are revolutionizing assessment practices in healthcare education, and promoting personalized learning.

Brain implant will be trialled to help treat neural conditions

 

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust will trial a whole-brain computer interface that uses ultrasound to measure and modulate brain-wide activity.

The ultrasonic neural interface, developed by the US-based non-profit Forest Neurotech, could be used to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

A study to investigate the safety and tolerability of the Forest 1 device will run for three and a half years, starting from March 2025, funded by the Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) as part of its Precision Neurotechnologies program.

Aimun Jamjoom, consultant neurosurgeon within the Barking, Havering, and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The ARIA award presents an extraordinary opportunity to advance our work on developing ultrasound neurotechnology for whole-brain imaging and modulation.

“This holds the promise of delivering a new class of life-changing therapies for individuals living with neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.”

Around 30 individuals who have had craniectomies (skull defects) will be recruited to test Forest 1, with the device placed on the surface of the skin at the site of the skull defect to interface with the brain.

Recognizing that many neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders stem from disruptions in neural circuits – the brain’s intricate ‘wiring’ – the research, in partnership with the University of Plymouth, aims to pave the way for personalized therapies by precisely targeting neural networks with minimally invasive methods.

Jacques Carolan, program director at ARIA, said: “To date, there’s been little serious investment into methodologies that interface precisely with the human brain, beyond ‘brute force’ approaches or highly invasive implants.

“Through trials like this – a first for the UK – we’re showing that it’s possible to develop elegant means of understanding, identifying, and treating many of the most complex and devastating brain disorders.

“Ultimately, this could deliver transformative impact for people with lived experiences of brain disorders.”

ARIA will fund a coordinated portfolio of 18 research teams across academia, non-profit R&D organizations, and startups dedicated to advancing brain-computer interface technologies.

The program will direct £69 million over four years to unlock new methods for interfacing with the human brain at the neural circuit level, to treat complex neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, and depression.

Other projects funded by the program include a team, led by the University of Glasgow, which will build advanced neural robots for closed-loop neuromodulation, specifically targeting epilepsy treatment, and London-based Navira, which will develop a novel technology for delivering gene therapies across the blood-brain barrier to help develop safer and more effective treatments.

 

The full list of projects being funded under the Precision Neurotechnologies program is listed here.

Meanwhile, medtech startup Robeauté has raised $28 million (£23m) to develop microrobots that enter the brain to diagnose, treat and monitor neurological conditions.

The robots, which are the size of a grain of rice, can safely carry out tasks in the brain such as delivering molecules, implanting electrodes, and collecting cell or live-data samples.

Ethical considerations regarding brain implants include: privacy concerns over accessing and interpreting neural data, potential for altering personality or identity, equitable access to the technology, informed consent, risk of unintended consequences, and the responsibility of healthcare providers in managing and monitoring implanted devices; all raising questions about the boundaries of personal autonomy and the potential for misuse of this technology. 

Key ethical issues:

• Privacy and Data Security:

  Brain implants could potentially record and interpret highly personal information like thoughts, emotions, and intentions, raising concerns about unauthorized access and misuse of this sensitive neural data. 
• Identity and Autonomy:

  Altering brain activity through implants could potentially impact an individual's personality, sense of self, and decision-making abilities, leading to ethical questions about whether such modifications are acceptable. 
• Informed Consent:

  Due to the complexity of brain implant technology and potential risks, ensuring patients fully understand the implications and provide informed consent is crucial. 
• Access and Equity:

  Concerns exist regarding the potential disparity in access to brain implant technology, with the potential for privileged individuals to benefit more than others. 
• Unforeseen Consequences:

  The long-term effects of brain implants are not fully understood, raising concerns about potential unintended side effects or complications that may arise later. 
• Medicalization of Mental Health:

  There's a potential for brain implants to be used to "fix" mental health conditions, raising questions about the societal implications of medicalizing aspects of human experience. 
• Ethical Oversight and Regulation:

  Clear guidelines and ethical frameworks are necessary to govern the development, use, and application of brain implant technology. 

Important considerations when discussing brain implants:

• Patient-centered approach:

  Prioritizing the patient's autonomy, needs, and informed decision-making throughout the process. 
• Risk-benefit analysis:

  Carefully evaluate the potential risks and benefits of brain implants for each individual case. 

https://www.digitalhealth.net/2025/01/brain-implant-will-be-trialled-by-nhs-to-help-treat-neural-conditions/

Radiology is the clear winner of the AI race related to regulatory authorizations,

 

Artificial intelligence has intruded quickly into the healthcare space.  AI has had unique applications in each specialty. The applications range from image recognition and analysis to others listed below.

Radiology is the clear winner of the AI race related to regulatory authorizations, does it mean that,

1) 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 will be needed to keep on improving these algorithms; or

2) 𝐟𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐫 𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 will be able to do the same amount of jobs with the help of that many AI technologies?

Which one is closer to what we will experience in the next 10 years?

The infographic: We put all the FDA-approved AI-based medical technologies from the official FDA database on this infographic and we grouped them by the medical specialty or category they were approved for.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: A Revolution in Medicine

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the healthcare landscape, revolutionizing diagnostics, treatment plans, drug development, and even patient care. With its ability to process vast amounts of data, identify patterns, and make predictions faster than humans, AI is proving to be an invaluable tool in improving medical outcomes. This article explores how AI has entered the healthcare space, its benefits, challenges, and what the future holds.

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AI in Diagnostics: Enhancing Accuracy and Speed

One of the most impactful areas of AI in healthcare is diagnostics. AI-powered algorithms can analyze medical images, detect anomalies, and assist in identifying diseases with remarkable precision. For example:

• Medical Imaging: AI-driven systems, such as Google's DeepMind and IBM Watson, can analyze X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans to detect conditions like cancer, brain hemorrhages, and fractures. AI can identify tumors at earlier stages, improving survival rates.
• Pathology: AI-powered pathology tools can analyze tissue samples and detect cancerous cells more accurately than traditional methods.
• Ophthalmology: AI has been instrumental in detecting diabetic retinopathy by analyzing retinal scans, helping prevent blindness in diabetic patients.

These innovations reduce diagnostic errors and allow physicians to make faster, more accurate decisions, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

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AI in Drug Discovery and Development

Developing a new drug typically takes years and costs billions of dollars. AI is accelerating this process by:

• Predicting Molecular Interactions: AI algorithms can simulate and analyze how different molecules interact, identifying potential drug candidates in a fraction of the time.
• Repurposing Existing Drugs: AI helps identify new uses for existing drugs, as seen with some medications being repurposed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Personalized Medicine: AI assists in designing treatments tailored to individual genetic profiles, enhancing effectiveness and reducing side effects.

By streamlining drug discovery, AI is making it possible to develop life-saving treatments faster and more efficiently.

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AI in Surgery: Enhancing Precision and Safety

Surgical procedures are becoming safer and more precise with the integration of AI-powered robotic systems. AI assists surgeons by:

• Providing Real-Time Guidance: AI-powered robots, like the da Vinci Surgical System, help perform minimally invasive procedures with higher accuracy and reduced recovery time.
• Augmenting Decision-Making: AI analyzes preoperative scans to assist in planning complex surgeries.
• Automating Simple Procedures: AI-driven robotic systems can handle repetitive surgical tasks, allowing surgeons to focus on critical aspects of the procedure.

AI in surgery not only improves outcomes but also reduces complications and shortens hospital stays.

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AI in Patient Care and Administration

Beyond clinical applications, AI is enhancing the efficiency of healthcare systems by:

• AI Chatbots & Virtual Assistants: AI-driven chatbots like Ada and Babylon Health provide symptom analysis and recommend whether patients should seek medical attention.
• Predictive Analytics: AI analyzes electronic health records (EHRs) to predict disease outbreaks, readmission risks, and patient deterioration.
• Automating Administrative Tasks: AI reduces paperwork by streamlining billing, scheduling, and medical coding, allowing healthcare professionals to focus more on patient care.

AI is playing a vital role in making healthcare more accessible, efficient, and patient-centric.

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Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Despite its advantages, AI in healthcare faces several challenges:

• Data Privacy & Security: Handling sensitive patient data raises concerns about privacy and cybersecurity threats.
• Bias in AI Algorithms: AI systems can inherit biases from training data, leading to disparities in medical diagnoses and treatments.
• Regulatory Hurdles: The approval process for AI-driven medical tools is complex, with regulatory bodies requiring extensive validation.
• Human Oversight: While AI enhances decision-making, human doctors are still essential for interpreting AI-generated insights and making final medical decisions.

Addressing these challenges is crucial for ensuring AI’s responsible and effective integration into healthcare.

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The Future of AI in Healthcare

AI’s role in healthcare will continue to expand, with future developments likely to include:

• AI-Powered Wearable Devices: Advanced health monitoring tools that provide real-time analysis of vital signs and early disease detection.
• AI-Driven Precision Medicine: More personalized treatments based on individual genetic and lifestyle factors.
• Autonomous AI-Operated Clinics: The potential for AI-powered healthcare centers providing diagnoses and basic treatments without human doctors.

As AI technology evolves, it will redefine the way healthcare is delivered, making it more efficient, accessible, and personalized.

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Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the healthcare industry, offering groundbreaking solutions in diagnostics, drug discovery, surgery, patient care, and administration. While challenges remain, the benefits of AI in improving healthcare outcomes are undeniable. By embracing AI responsibly and addressing ethical concerns, the medical field can harness its full potential, paving the way for a future where technology and human expertise work together to save lives.

Final Thought: AI is not here to replace doctors—it is here to empower them. The combination of human intelligence and artificial intelligence is the key to a more advanced and effective healthcare system.

CES (Consumer Entertainment Show)

A Physician Goes To CES 2025: My Top 10 Takeaways

The Top 10

Now that I have returned to reality and had a chance to catch my breath, here are my top 10 overall impressions—medically related and general. 1. First, the numbers: The final statistics, courtesy of CES, are themselves pretty staggering. 4500+ exhibitors and 141K+ attendees, including 6K+ media. No wonder I’m worn out. The number of exhibitors and attendees was slightly up over last year.  

2. As expected, AI was front and center, everywhere, all the time. While many presenters went out of their way to establish that AI was becoming embedded in products and what we all do, just like the internet or electricity, you couldn’t tell it from the exhibit floor. The AI capabilities of every product were being shouted from the rooftops, whether AI actually had a significant role in what was being offered or not. We are not over the hype cycle in consumer products or in medicine by any means.

Ahh, the products. With over 4,500 exhibitors, it’s impossible to see even the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to the products displayed. Here’s the thing, though. I would guess some 75-80% of the products displayed will never see the light of day again. They are just too experimental and pie in the sky to go mainstream, at least not yet. Some 15-20% of the products displayed do something that other, more established products already do. That leaves a small percentage of products that we will actually see in the marketplace. Why bother with the exhibit halls, then? It’s to see possibilities. It’s to see concepts and ideas. It’s to see products that may morph into products that actually do make it. What product did I see that I think may go mainstream? Eyeglasses that double as hearing aids. It is too a good fit between practicality and vanity to not work. One other end of the spectrum was the flying car that was touted as the first flying car to fit in your trunk. WTF? 

On the top future uses of robots is in hospitals, such as delivering food or pharmaceuticals from the kitchen or pharmacy and/or caring for sernors at home, allowing assisted living at @home. There was an increased emphasis on robots this year.   A few exhibitors displayed human-looking robots that could perform assembly line-type tasks. My guess is that a more efficient robot would be less human-looking and more practical-oriented. I don’t think we are beyond the cute stage for human robots quite yet.

Another thing I didn’t report on is quantum computing. I did go to several sessions and tried to get my head around it. (One presenter said classic computing is based on math, and quantum computing is based on physics. I sort of get it.) The best I can tell from all the presentations is that quantum computers will be supercomputers that exponentially increase what can now be done by classic computers. But most agree the technology is not yet far enough along to know precisely what applications can be developed to work with these computers.  The use of quantum computing in medicine is unclear other than being able to do some things better and faster. One thing that all the quantum presenters did talk about (and about which they were visibly concerned) was the impact of quantum on cyber security. The sheer power of these computers could very well render most cyber security protections obsolete. And precious little appears to be being done about it.

10. Covid? What Covid? Very few people were wearing masks. Very few references were made to Covid anywhere. I got the distinct impression that the fear of Covid has faded into the woodwork. I got the impression that this show, more than any other, has entirely returned to the pre-Covid normal. We shall see post-show, I suppose. Pre-Covid, it was a standard joke that most attendees came down with the “CES crud” post-show. It may be that even if Covid hits attendees, we won’t hear much about it. 

Medical technologies at CES 2025

Manufacturers and healthcare professionals actively participated in the event, driven by a shared commitment to finding innovative solutions that can enhance the support they provide to their customers and patients. Their presence reflects a collaborative effort to address pressing challenges in the industry, to improve overall health outcomes. By engaging in discussions and exploring new technologies, they aim to develop strategies that will not only meet the needs of their clients but also elevate the standard of care in healthcare settings.  

SoundPass Medical

• • An ultrasound-guided stylet for external ventricular drains that provides real-time 3D imaging 
  • LaparoVision

    A single-use laparoscope lens cleaner that helps surgeons maintain visibility during procedures 
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  • miLab   
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  • An AI-powered, automated digital microscope that analyzes blood samples in 15 minutes. miLab is an adoption of visual imagery for the analysis of microscope images. T
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  • Elythea

    An AI platform that predicts pregnancy complications early 
  • Tone Buds   (Ozlo)

    These noise-making earbuds have some special features, including helping you fall asleep and stopping playing when you're out.
  • • SNORE BLOCKING: Our soft silicone tips passively block noise, while our Science-backed Sleep Sounds help cover up noisy sleep disruptions like snoring partners, loud cities, dogs barking, and more.
    • SUPER COMFY: Side Sleeper Approved. Ozlo Sleepbuds feature ultra-soft, squishy silicone tips that mold to your ears, providing unparalleled comfort and a secure-fit, even for all-night wear.
    • HOW THEY WORK: Sleepbuds use state-of-the-art Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to minimize battery size, making them tiny and comfortable for all sleeping positions. For optimal streaming, keep Sleepbuds within 10 feet of the Smart Case and your phone within 30 feet.
    • STREAM ALL NIGHT: Enjoy up to 10 hours of playtime on a single charge, with the Smart Case providing extra power on the go for added convenience and portability.
    • SLEEP DETECTION: Sleepbuds' biometric sensors can seamlessly detect when you fall asleep, auto-magically switching from your streaming audio to built-in noise-masking sounds.
    • IN-EAR ALARM: Ozlo Sleepbuds have a built-in personal alarm that gently wakes you from your sound sleep without jarring you or your partner.
    • SLEEPBUDS LEGACY: With decades of headphone engineering expertise, our team acquired the original Sleepbuds patents to create the next generation—Ozlo Sleepbuds. Redesigned from the ground up, they’re engineered for your best sleep yet.

    • DESIGNED FOR SLEEP: Sleepbuds apply an innovative connection design that uses the Smart Case as a bridge to your phone. This enables Sleepbuds to use Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which reduces power consumption and the need for a bulky battery. The space savings allow Sleepbuds to be super tiny and provide all-night comfort.
    • CLINICALLY PROVEN: Our Sleep Technology is Clinically Proven to Help You Fall Asleep Faster and Stay Asleep Longer, Without Pharmaceutical Intervention – and the Associated Side Effects.
  • Hyodol  

    
    

    An AI-based companion robot doll that helps older adults with dementia feel less lonely 
  • Eyas    

    
    

    A digital therapy platform that helps patients with ADHD and mild cognitive changes. (Neurodivergence)  
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  • EYAS (EYe-ear-Attention System) Global-only computerized cognitive rehabilitation system linked to eye tracking. Maximization of the development improvement effect by linking the patient's vision with the system. Children with difficulty in learning and doing their assignments. Children with attention deficit, hyperactivity disorder.
  • Children require flexible thinking in the cognitive process. Children with difficulty in visual and auditory perception.
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•  At CES 2025, there were many other innovative healthcare technologies highlighting advancements aimed at improving patient care, accessibility, and overall health management. Here are some of the notable developments:

   

  Asahi Kasei's Microdevices: These devices depend upon semiconductors to sense chemicals such as carbon dioxide and other sensors such as:

  A fall detection system that uses millimeter-wave radar and AI to monitor movement without compromising privacy.

  A battery-free smart diaper that alerts caregivers when it needs changing, powered by moisture.

  A contactless stethoscope that monitors vital signs without physical contact [1][2].

  MedicosBiotech's Cure Silk:

  An AI-driven chronic wound care solution that utilizes spider silk protein-based patches to enhance healing, accompanied by an app for personalized treatment suggestions [2].

  OnMed's Clinic-in-a-Box:

  A compact solution providing real-time doctor consultations, vital checks, and e-prescriptions, designed to improve healthcare access in underserved communities [2].

  Hyodol's AI Companion Robot:

  A robot designed to assist older adults with dementia, providing companionship and reminders for medication and meals [1].

  Eli Health's Hormometer:

  A portable device that allows users to track hormone levels at home using a saliva sample, delivering results in about 20 minutes [2].

  Noul's miLab System:

  An AI-powered digital microscope that automates blood sample analysis, providing high-resolution images and diagnostic insights in just 15 minutes [2].

  Variowell's Thermal Comfort Topper:

  A bed topper that monitors heart rate and body zones to adjust temperature for optimal sleep comfort [2].

  InTheTech's EYAS:

  A digital therapy platform for patients with mild cognitive impairment and ADHD, utilizing eye-tracking technology to enhance cognitive training [1][2].

  FlowBeams' BoldJet:

  A needle-free injection system that uses lasers to deliver vaccines and medications painlessly, reducing the risk of needlestick injuries [2].

  Withings' Omnia Smart Mirror:

  A smart mirror that reads vital stats and provides health reports, integrating with a companion app for comprehensive health tracking [3].

  These innovations reflect a growing trend towards integrating technology into healthcare to enhance patient experiences and outcomes, making healthcare more accessible and efficient.

Mark your calendar for next year's 2026 CES, held in  Las Vegas.  

The 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 6–9, 2026. The event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Register for CES 2026

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