Tag Archives: AI

Minnesota Supercomputing Institute using AI and Tiny Worms for Discovery

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I found this fascinating, from the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute,,,

What if artificial intelligence could help scientists discover new drugs for healthy aging?

Thomas Hodder, the Life Sciences & Engineering Runner-Up at this year’s Research Computing Exhibition, is developing new ways to identify compounds that may promote healthy aging. Hodder created an AI-powered imaging process that measures heat stress resistance, a trait strongly linked to longevity, in the microscopic worm C. elegans

Traditional lifespan experiments can take weeks and require significant manual effort. Hodder’s approach automates much of the process, allowing researchers to rapidly screen thousands of compounds and identify promising candidates more efficiently. Using this method, his team discovered 14 previously unknown drugs that extend worm lifespan.

One of the biggest challenges was developing and validating the assay itself. Hodder spent nearly two years refining the method before it was ready to detect potential drug candidates. Throughout that process, he relied on high-performance computing resources from the Minnesota Supercomputing Institute to process large imaging datasets, test software, and store research data.

Minnesota noted for using accessibility to improve maps’ communication

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Government Technology reports…

Governments are developing maps to share information on a variety of topics with the public, but there are necessary considerations to ensure these digital products are accessible for all users.

State and local governments are required by federal law to make digital products — including maps —usable for people with disabilities by April 2027 or April 2028 depending on population size. But they face litigation risks today if they are noncompliant.

The state of Minnesota has been focused on the accessibility of its online products and content for years. In 2019, Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) announced a significant effort to make maps accessible. MNIT has established a map accessibility resource center and made training modules available.

The article offers a few tips from the Minnesota experience:

  • When trying to create an accessible map, Ewert underlined the importance of first considering the intended message of the map.
  • Color is another key feature for GIS teams to address when creating these resources. Officials should use colors with high contrast and test with accessibility checkers, per MNIT’s resource center. Because maps often leverage aerial photography as backgrounds, Ewert emphasized the importance of simplifying base maps so that symbology effectively meets those contrast requirements to be visible for all users.
  • Accessibility testing is done before going live with new products in the state, Ewert said.
  • In some cases, AI technology can help government make products more accessible. For accessibility work, it’s critical to ensure AI models are using high-quality data.

U of M Extension creates AI video to spoof cover crop research

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Back when I did more training on how to assess information on the Internet, I would often use an example from a Minnesota university that was a website that featured a mythical town outside of Mankato where, due to geological anomalies, the weather never went below 70 degrees. It got a lot of attention in 1996 as a great example of “not everything you read online it true.” So, I was tickled to see that University of Minnesota Extension has taken up a similar project in the new era of AI. Ag Week reports…

A YouTube video titled “Scientists Tested 41 Cover Crop Mixes for 6 Years” claims a University of Minnesota research team ran a six-season trial and found one three-species cover crop mix that outperformed every other combination by 210%. The 49-minute video, posted May 6 by a channel called Soil & Centuries, says the team tracked nitrogen transfer rates, mycorrhizal network density and weed suppression across hundreds of thousands of data points.

None of it happened. The study does not exist.

University of Minnesota Extension educators said the video is artificial intelligence “slop” — fabricated content built to draw clicks and advertising revenue. They have reported it, and commented on it, but it’s still up. As of mid-July, the video had more than 36,000 views. It had roughly 11,000 when Extension educators first learned of it.

Here’s the video:

Dakota County Chamber of Commerce supports AI and data centers

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The Sun This Week (aka Hometown Source) posts a letter to the editor from Jon M. Althoff, chief mission officer at the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce…

AI is already part of our daily lives. It helps physicians detect diseases earlier, enables manufacturers to reduce waste and downtime, assists farmers in maximizing crop yields, and allows small businesses to serve customers more efficiently. From local retailers to Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Dakota County, AI is becoming as essential to competitiveness as the internet was a generation ago.

Minnesota businesses understand this. According to recent surveys, 87% of Minnesota small businesses are optimistic about the role technology will play in their future growth. They recognize what history has repeatedly shown: The businesses that embrace innovation are the ones that survive and prosper.

The same is true for states (and foreign countries, too).

Across our great country, governors and legislatures are competing aggressively for AI investment, advanced manufacturing, research facilities, and the data centers that power them. These projects bring billions of dollars in private investment, local school and nonprofit grants, strengthen local tax bases, support construction and skilled trades, and create opportunities for suppliers ranging from electricians and engineering firms to restaurants, trucking companies, and local service businesses.

Some point out that data centers employ fewer permanent workers than traditional manufacturing facilities. That observation is accurate — but incomplete.

A modern airport doesn’t employ everyone who benefits from it. Neither does a highway, an electric grid, or a port.

Practical look at Minnesota Government Data Practices Act in the Age of AI

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The League of Minnesota Cities has compiled helpful information for local governments looking at responsibility with AI…

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more common, Minnesota cities are exploring how these technologies can improve efficiency, customer service, and daily operations. From drafting meeting minutes more quickly to generating city-branded graphics and designs, AI offers clear benefits.

For local governments, however, these opportunities come with important legal obligations, particularly under the Minnesotan Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). Understanding how the MGDPA applies to AI use is essential for cities seeking to leverage new technologies while maintaining public trust and compliance.

The article addresses the following topics:

  • Government data defined
  • Is AI data public or nonpublic?
  • Entering data into AI tools
  • Impact on data requests
  • Practical considerations

Even if you aren’t with a local government agency or office, I think the practical advice helps under the implications of using AI yourself.

Lawsuit alleges Mayo Clinic cuts corners with AI

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MPR News reports…

As medical behemoth Mayo Clinic continues to lead the way in incorporating artificial intelligence into clinical settings, a new lawsuit alleges that staff at the world-renowned hospital system had been skirting AI compliance rules and masking concerning error rates.

The civil action comes from former Mayo Clinic research director and AI compliance lead Traci Tamiko Eto, who sued her employer this week in federal court, saying she was retaliated against and fired after she blew the whistle on how the hospital’s rush to incorporate AI into their operations put patient care and privacy at risk.

Artur Davis, Eto’s attorney and a partner with the national law firm HKM Employment Attorneys LLC, told MPR News that this is a significant case, especially since it concerns the intimate and confidential patient data hospitals like Mayo Clinic have in their possession.

“If [people] care about the notion that AI has to be handled in a responsible manner, with integrity, and there have to be rules and guidelines, this is a case that should matter to you,” Davis said.

Davis said Mayo Clinic has 21 days to respond to the legal filing.

Mayo Clinic told MPR News Wednesday it is committed to the responsible development and deployment of AI and that privacy, security, transparency and compliance are embedded in its processes.

EVENT July 8: AI and Workforce – Combatting Job Displacement

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Hosted by Broadband Breakfast…

Wednesday, Jul 8
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries from telecommunications to customer service, the question is no longer whether AI will transform the workforce, but how leaders, policymakers, and educators can ensure workers are not left behind. This panel brings together experts to examine the real-world impact of automation on jobs, the sectors most exposed to disruption, and the strategies that can turn displacement into opportunity. Panelists will explore reskilling and upskilling initiatives, the role of public-private partnerships, emerging policy frameworks, and what a resilient, AI-ready workforce looks like in the years ahead. Join us for a frank conversation about protecting workers while harnessing the productivity gains AI can deliver.

Panelists

  • Panelists have been invited
  • Melissa Newman (moderator), SVP, Government Relations, TIA

New AI Data Center Moratorium Act bill introduced in US House

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Broadband Breakfast reports…

House Democrats have formally joined a Senate effort to halt the growth of artificial intelligence data centers.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., introduced the House companion to Sen. Bernie Sanders‘ (I-Vt.) AI Data Center Moratorium Act on Tuesday, expanding a bicameral effort to halt new development pending federal safeguards.

How is AI changing network patterns? And what does that mean?

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Fierce Network points out that networks patterns are changing…

For 30 years, network traffic followed a rhythm you could set a clock by. A lull in the morning, a peak through the business day, demand falling off in the evening. And it flowed overwhelmingly in one direction: down, toward users pulling web pages, video and files. Networks were engineered around both assumptions. AI is breaking them. …

AI is driving the change, because AI doesn’t take lunch breaks. Human users generate requests intermittently and wait for responses, producing the peaks and valleys networks were built to anticipate. AI operates continuously, at machine speed, around the clock. As more traffic originates from machines rather than people, the daily curve loses its shape and demand approaches a constant load.

Not only are peak times changing – the direction of traffic is changing too…

Upstream bandwidth is now growing disproportionately faster than downstream. At MetTel, total bandwidth grew 30-40% annually, and last year 75-80% of that growth was upstream. For an industry that spent decades optimizing for heavy downstream and light upstream — asymmetry baked into everything from broadband tiers to consumer plans — that’s a striking reversal.

The source of the upstream surge is the edge. AI video processing at retail locations, camera-equipped wearables, and operational technology at oil and gas companies using cloud-based video analysis for asset management — all of it generates data that flows up and out of those environments, not down into them. As industry pushes AI inference closer to where data is generated — in factories, in the field, in the store — the return traffic is upstream by nature.

There’s more and the article looks at the implications for network engineers but I’m also wondering about implications for policymakers and local planners. Right now, the speed goals in Minnesota in 100 Mbps down and 20 up by 2026. Earlier this week, Bree Maki mentioned at the Tribal Telecommunications conference that we won’t make it and that it may be time to rethink that goal.

Notes and select videos from the 2026 Tribal Broadband Midwest Summit Day 2: AI for Tribal Communities

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The National Tribal Telecommunications Association hosted the 2026 Tribal Broadband Midwest Summit in Minnesota. I wrote about the first full day yesterday; today the conversation is all about AI. We got a practical introduction to AI and tribal leaders spoke about using AI to help preserve native languages. The presenters spoke about the difference between AI is a public for private environment.

Welcome from Godrey Enjady

  • Trying to get broadband to everyone
  • Learn to read contract and rules carefully
  • Teaching people how to use new resources and preserving culture

Understanding AI

  • AI is a shortcut for images
  • Using AI for language preservation
  • You need to verify AI results – good memory but not always right

Understanding AI in Tribal Broadband (language preservation)

Q: Is one AI tool (ChatGPT vs GROK…) and is paid worth it?
Each tool has a different benefit. Some folks have subscriptions to all; some none.
You get faster results and more use available if you pay. Creating code? You might want to pay. Simple question? Free is probably OK.
Try out a few tools and see what you like.
You do get different results if you use different tools.
Be cautious of uploading/sharing intellectual data with AI tools – even to have them help you figure something out. (Upload it becomes internalized with AI)

Q: Wat guard rails to you institute to keep data good?
It is a concern. Can’t let AI run amok.

EVENT June 24: AI without the hype: What rural broadband operators need to know

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From Benton Institute for Broadband & Society…

Telecompetitor

Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – 3:00pm
Time Zone
EST
Virtual Event

Rural broadband operators are navigating a moment of real change. AI is reshaping how networks are used, how they’re managed, and how providers can stay competitive. But sorting useful strategies from empty buzzwords isn’t easy.

A panel of industry leaders will share proven approaches to using AI and automation to improve network efficiency, deliver better customer experiences, and open new revenue streams.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to look at regulations related to AI and hyperscale data centers

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Fierce Network reports…

Hyperscaler capex is poised to set records in 2026, as cloud giants scramble to build enough compute capacity to meet growing demand. Energy remains a key constraint – and point of public contention – but an upcoming regulatory decision is poised to offer either grief or relief.

There are two key energy issues: power generation and years-long interconnection queues, and how large-load customers like data centers impact other users on the grid. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is poised to act on both sometime this month.

It’s not yet clear what changes FERC will make to existing regulations. But in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking issued in October, FERC said it was seeking input on rule changes that would speed interconnection study timelines to 60 days for customers that agree to flexibly curtail usage and whether large load customers should pay the full cost of any grid upgrades needed for their interconnection.

Trump releases memorandum on use of AI with Military and Intelligence Community

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The Trump Administration reports…

Under my Administration, the United States can and will responsibly accelerate the use of AI across intelligence and warfighting domains in line with American values.  The United States possesses the most effective and moral military in the history of world.  It is also among the most trusted institutions in American life.  That trust is rooted in an unbroken chain of command and accountability, from our democratic process through civilian and military leadership, to the men and women who carry out the mission.

This is their policy:

Sec. 2.  Policy.  My Administration will accelerate the development and use of AI for national security applications, guided by the following four pillars:

(a)  Adoption.  The national security enterprise shall accelerate AI adoption by identifying mission areas where AI can enhance operational effectiveness and eliminating unnecessary barriers to rapid deployment.  To this end, the national security enterprise shall maintain deep, proactive partnerships with industry, to make the most advanced frontier models broadly available to national security professionals without delay, ensuring technological overmatch while driving rapid experimentation and validation across potential applications.

(b)  Adaptation.  The national security enterprise shall adapt commercial or open-source AI technologies, leveraging the most cutting-edge capabilities available from diverse suppliers across the private sector, large and small, while ensuring that AI technologies chosen are optimized for their intended use.  In cases where the use of a commercial solution is not appropriate due to security or mission limitations, executive departments and agencies (agencies) may deploy commercially or internally customized AI technologies or develop AI technologies internally.  Such technologies shall be made available across the national security enterprise to support multiple missions where possible.

(c)  Assurance.  The national security enterprise shall assure that all AI technologies adopted are designed to be reliable, robust, steerable, and controllable, and that they operate, in accordance with applicable laws, government policies, and guidance.  To protect American warfighters, the national security enterprise shall ensure, through contractual clauses or other means, that no commercial entity or adversary possesses the capability to prevent use of, disable or degrade, or materially modify without Federal Government knowledge and approval, an AI system that our men and women depend on for their missions.  In addition, rigorous security and functionality measures, including testing, evaluation, validation, and verification, shall be implemented to assure the appropriate confidentiality, integrity, reliability, availability, and interoperability of AI systems across the national security enterprise.

(d)  Accountability.  American AI technologies shall neither be developed nor used by the national security enterprise to censor free speech, embed ideological bias, or conduct unauthorized or unlawful surveillance activities.  The use of AI by the national security enterprise must always be consistent with United States civil liberties and protections afforded by the Constitution and laws and regulations safeguarding the privacy of American citizens.  Commanders, directors, and heads of agencies shall remain responsible and accountable for ensuring that these obligations are met at every level of command, and that such accountability keeps pace with the evolution of AI capabilities and regulations governing the privacy and civil liberties of American citizens.

EVENT June 17: AI Impact Hour for Nonprofits

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From Tech Soup…

AI Impact Hour for Nonprofits

Jun 17, 12:00 – 1:00 PM (CDT)

Events at TechSoup

About this event

This isn’t just another webinar — it’s a meeting with nonprofits from around the world coming together to learn, share, and explore how AI can support their missions. If your organization has used AI in any way (big or small), or if you’re just getting started, we want to hear from you.

AI Impact Hour is a practical, interactive conversation designed for executive directors, staff, board members, and volunteers who want to understand what AI can realistically do in a nonprofit setting. You’ll see simple demonstrations and real examples, and you’ll have a chance to share your experiences, challenges, and insights with the group.

What makes this different:

  • It’s for you  — small to large nonprofits from around the world
  • We want to hear from you — how your nonprofit has been experimenting with AI
  • You’ll learn from each other — not just from the presentation

Who should attend:

  • Nonprofit leaders, staff, volunteers, and anyone curious about how AI can support their work, regardless of experience level.

Would you like to be a guest panelist to share your experience with AI?

Email Aretha Simons asimons@techsoup.org and put “panelist” in the subject line.

Community Networks offers a look at fiber in the US via Fiber First conference

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The Institute for Local Self Reliance (aka Community Networks) reports…

As reported by Telecompetitor, Bolton said, there are now over 1,500 active fiber providers operating nationally, with 42 new market entrants and 715 providers that doubled their footprints in just the past six months.

Meanwhile, he said, independent ISPs, electric cooperatives, and municipal networks together accounted for about 40 percent of all fiber deployment in 2025 – “a sign that the buildout is increasingly being driven by community-rooted operators, not just national giants.”

But the conference’s panel sessions made it clear that translating increased fiber demand into deploying networks is getting harder and more expensive, with one panelist describing it like going “from a sprint into a marathon.”

During a Broadband Breakfast Live event at the conference, Josh Summit, director of outside plant engineering and construction at Glo Fiber/Shentel, said that there has been a roughly 300 percent increase in pole make-ready costs over the past five years and that rural fiber deployments that once cost between $20,000 and $25,000 per mile are as expensive as $100,000 per mile, which he attributed to stricter pole loading requirements and “preexisting noncompliance being charged to new attachers.”

The conference also highlighted the mounting opposition and tensions related to the construction of AI hyperscale data centers, which panelists said are increasingly following cheap rural electricity away from traditional hubs like Loudoun County, Virginia while running into local opposition in communities across the country, as some states consider data center moratoriums.

Still, despite the challenges, there was an air of optimism from conference organizers, as the FBA said it is seeing record membership growth – up 16 percent year-over-year, with more than 8,000 broadband professionals now represented.