Electric Vehicle Mining Could Harm Native Communities
A new study from researchers at Lewis & Clark College suggests that unregulated production of electric vehicles (EVs) could harm Indigenous communities. EVs can significantly reduce carbon emissions, benefiting vulnerable populations affected by air pollution due to discriminatory policies. However, potential negative impacts arise from increased domestic mining for the minerals required for EV batteries, many of which are situated near or on tribal lands. A surge in mineral extraction from these lands could harm Native communities and their sacred sites.
Researchers call for stricter mining regulations and greater inclusion of Native communities in decision-making to ensure that the transition to EVs does not exacerbate this issue.
Finding Bias in Generative AI Models
Researchers from University of California, Santa Cruz developed Text to Image Association Test, a tool that can be used to quantify biases in text-to-image generative AI (artificial intelligence) models. These models often replicate human biases, which can reinforce existing stereotypes and cause harm, say researchers. The tool evaluates biases across dimensions like gender, race, career, and religion, measuring bias in Stable Diffusion, a generative AI model that creates images based on user text prompts. Unlike previous methods that required manual annotation, this tool automatically assesses biases by comparing neutral prompts with biased prompts, providing a quantitative measurement.
It’s been found that Stable Diffusion amplified biases, associating concepts like science with men and concepts such as art with women. The new research tool allows software engineers to gauge and mitigate such biases during model development.
More Menopause Education Needed
in OB-GYN Residency Training
Menopause education remains inadequate in many OB-GYN residency programs, according to a survey conducted by Menopause Society researchers, who also represent Augusta University, Drexel University, and New York University. Although the demand for menopause care is growing due to increased life expectancy, gaps in knowledge persist among OB-GYN trainees regarding symptom management and related conditions. In 2013,
20.8 percent of residents reported having a formal menopause curriculum; more recent survey results show an increase to 31.3 percent of responding program directors having menopause curriculum to any extent.
Researchers say the lack of standardized education indicates a need for improved training to ensure competent care of patients experiencing menopause.
Recognizing Inequities of Climate Change
In 2022, Cornell University and Pomona College researchers investigated the public’s perception of climate change’s disproportionate effects on disadvantaged communities in two national studies. The work revealed that approximately one-third of adults in the U.S. understood climate change impacts to be unequal across groups. When asked what role race played in climate change outcomes, 22 percent of respondents correctly acknowledged racial inequities. Misperceptions persisted across racial and social demographics, though Democrats and Hispanic, Latino, and younger individuals were more likely to recognize inequality. The findings suggest that a perception of climate change as a “common threat” may hinder acknowledgment of its disparities.
Researchers hope their findings will drive awareness and policy changes.