Contaminated drinking water is becoming a pressing issue in cities post-wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles, where utilities have issued "Do Not Drink" advisories due to the infiltration of toxic chemicals from fires. Pasadena Water and Power issued a rare advisory after testing indicated potential contamination, which was later mostly lifted. Experts highlight that wildfires can damage infrastructure, allowing ash, smoke, and soot to enter water systems, especially when system pressure is compromised by high water demand or power outages. The health risks from such contamination can vary, including temporary symptoms and long-term consequences like cancer.

Wildfires Contaminate Drinking Water, Prompting Urgent Safety Alerts MedPage Today

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offers numerous advantages but also raises serious challenges that necessitate a strong governance framework to protect patient safety and uphold ethical standards. At the CHIME24 Fall Forum, healthcare IT leaders highlighted the urgent need for structured governance to address the specific risks related to AI, such as misdiagnosis and algorithmic bias. A comprehensive governance model, led by a cross-functional committee of senior executives and informed by clinical, administrative, and legal perspectives, is essential. This model should prioritize patient safety, implement clear policies, and ensure ongoing evaluation of AI systems, utilizing frameworks like the IEEE UL 2933 and NIST's AI Risk Management Framework to guide ethical reviews and technology assessments.

"AI in Healthcare: Urgent Call for Robust Governance to Ensure Safety" Forbes

The Justice Department and FBI have launched a major international operation to eradicate "PlugX" malware, attributed to the Mustang Panda hacking group backed by the Chinese government. Collaborating with international partners, including French law enforcement and cybersecurity firm Sekoia.io, the operation targeted a specific version of PlugX that has been stealing sensitive information globally since 2014. The campaign successfully removed the malware from approximately 4,258 computers in the U.S., underlining the DOJ's commitment to disrupting cyber threats and holding perpetrators accountable. Officials stressed the significance of international cooperation in addressing threats from state-sponsored hackers.

Justice Department and FBI Launch Global Operation Against Chinese PlugX Malware U.S. Department of Justice

A recent study examining the use of digital health technologies (DHT) among older adults in the U.S. found that 81.4% of participants aged 50 to 80 reported engaging with technologies such as patient portals and telehealth services. Conducted in August 2021 via the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the survey of 2,110 respondents identified that factors like gender, age, education, and income played significant roles in DHT adoption, with certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black respondents, showing notable engagement. However, the study also pointed out that many older adults face challenges, including physical and cognitive limitations, that may affect their technology use.

Digital Health Adoption Soars Among Older Adults Post-Pandemic JAMA Network Open

Contaminated drinking water is becoming a pressing issue in cities post-wildfires, particularly in Los Angeles, where utilities have issued "Do Not Drink" advisories due to the infiltration of toxic chemicals from fires. Pasadena Water and Power issued a rare advisory after testing indicated potential contamination, which was later mostly lifted. Experts highlight that wildfires can damage infrastructure, allowing ash, smoke, and soot to enter water systems, especially when system pressure is compromised by high water demand or power outages. The health risks from such contamination can vary, including temporary symptoms and long-term consequences like cancer.

Wildfires Contaminate Drinking Water, Prompting Urgent Safety Alerts MedPage Today

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare offers numerous advantages but also raises serious challenges that necessitate a strong governance framework to protect patient safety and uphold ethical standards. At the CHIME24 Fall Forum, healthcare IT leaders highlighted the urgent need for structured governance to address the specific risks related to AI, such as misdiagnosis and algorithmic bias. A comprehensive governance model, led by a cross-functional committee of senior executives and informed by clinical, administrative, and legal perspectives, is essential. This model should prioritize patient safety, implement clear policies, and ensure ongoing evaluation of AI systems, utilizing frameworks like the IEEE UL 2933 and NIST's AI Risk Management Framework to guide ethical reviews and technology assessments.

"AI in Healthcare: Urgent Call for Robust Governance to Ensure Safety" Forbes

The Justice Department and FBI have launched a major international operation to eradicate "PlugX" malware, attributed to the Mustang Panda hacking group backed by the Chinese government. Collaborating with international partners, including French law enforcement and cybersecurity firm Sekoia.io, the operation targeted a specific version of PlugX that has been stealing sensitive information globally since 2014. The campaign successfully removed the malware from approximately 4,258 computers in the U.S., underlining the DOJ's commitment to disrupting cyber threats and holding perpetrators accountable. Officials stressed the significance of international cooperation in addressing threats from state-sponsored hackers.

Justice Department and FBI Launch Global Operation Against Chinese PlugX Malware U.S. Department of Justice

A recent study examining the use of digital health technologies (DHT) among older adults in the U.S. found that 81.4% of participants aged 50 to 80 reported engaging with technologies such as patient portals and telehealth services. Conducted in August 2021 via the National Poll on Healthy Aging, the survey of 2,110 respondents identified that factors like gender, age, education, and income played significant roles in DHT adoption, with certain racial and ethnic groups, particularly non-Hispanic Black respondents, showing notable engagement. However, the study also pointed out that many older adults face challenges, including physical and cognitive limitations, that may affect their technology use.

Digital Health Adoption Soars Among Older Adults Post-Pandemic JAMA Network Open