Artificial Intelligence

Missouri lawmakers are debating new internet laws aimed at keeping minors safe online, but critics warn the rules could threaten privacy and free speech.

A lecture on campus included discussions about AI developments and functions in health care, as well as uses in student learning.

A Senate committee heard testimony Wednesday on legislation that would require watermarks on AI-generated content and target chatbots that provide mental health advice.

Dr. Matthew Tilton and Amy Baumgartner with Northeast Missouri Health Council in Kirksville spoke about how they use AI in their clinic — having it listen to patient-provider conversations, so doctors can focus less on their note taking and more on their connection with patients.

Artificial intelligence could help scientists and state conservationists count waterfowl more quickly and accurately, according to a new study.

University of Missouri scientists are revolutionizing how waterfowl are counted by using drones and artificial intelligence to identify and tally birds with over 95% accuracy. The technology, developed in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, promises faster, cheaper, and more precise wildlife surveys without disturbing the animals.

Dr. Philip Payne is the chief health AI officer at the Center for Health AI, a collaboration between WashU Medicine and BJC Health System in St. Louis. He spoke about the code of conduct that providers should consider when employing AI in healthcare processes and decisions.

Nurses Drew Herbert and Matt Farmer are University of Missouri researchers trying to find out if generative AI, along with professional therapy, can help pregnant people with opioid use disorder who are ready to seek care.

Dr. Amy Patel is the Medical Director of the Breast Cancer Center at Liberty Hospital outside Kansas City. She spoke about an AI algorithm they use with breast ultrasounds that gives radiologists a data-informed second opinion.

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more and more a part of our daily lives, ITCOMO owner Robert Ricketts wants it to be known that, "it has no empathy, no sentience... All it can do is reply based on its training model, which is just a bunch of words. There's nothing behind it." October 16, 2025