Latest news with #UniversityofMassachusettsAmherst
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
AI ethics & employability
In today's Artificial Intelligence (AI) powered world, a silent transformation is underway. From automating mundane tasks to predicting human behaviour, artificial intelligence is reshaping how we live, work, and lead. And as industries adapt at breakneck speed, the question before us is no longer whether AI will shape the future of work—it's how prepared we are to shape it responsibly. AI (Unsplash) For business schools, this isn't just a curriculum challenge—it's a moral and strategic imperative. Machines now write emails, analyse markets, and even diagnose diseases. But while we celebrate these efficiencies, we must also confront a more sobering reality—our reliance on AI is growing faster than our understanding of its ethical boundaries. Many students entering the workforce today can prompt ChatGPT with ease, yet struggle to question the fairness of an algorithm or recognise when automation replaces empathy. This is where business education must evolve—not just to teach how AI works, but to ask why it should be used, who it serves, and what it might displace. At institutions like the University of Massachusetts Amherst and University of Colorado Boulder, business schools are already taking bold steps—launching dedicated courses on AI ethics, building multi-stakeholder committees, and embedding GenAI tools into foundational coursework. At FIIB, we too are reflecting deeply on how AI integration must be as much about critical thinking and conscience as it is about technical proficiency. Because at the heart of this revolution lies a powerful truth: AI is created by humans—and it inherits our flaws. From insurance companies using opaque algorithms to deny claims, to marketing departments unknowingly lifting copyrighted content, the ethical dilemmas are real and rising. Bias in datasets, lack of transparency, and the black-box nature of AI decision-making demand that we teach students not just to use these tools—but to challenge them, audit them, and lead ethically through them. Historically, universities have been centres of knowledge transmission. But in the AI age, they must also become centres of knowledge navigation—places where students learn how to live and lead in a world where human and machine intelligence coexist, often contentiously. We need to expand the traditional triad of teaching, research, and service into a more dynamic ecosystem—one that fuses academic rigor with industry relevance and social responsibility. AI shouldn't just be a vertical within IT electives; it should become a horizontal theme cutting across marketing, operations, finance, and strategy. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in India provides a timely foundation for this shift. By encouraging multidisciplinary thinking, innovation labs, and industry-academia collaboration, the NEP invites institutions to evolve beyond silos and reimagine themselves as hubs of real-world problem-solving. India is at a critical inflection point. With declining university-age demographics, rapid industrial shifts, and growing global competition, universities cannot afford to stand still. They must embed AI thinking across disciplines, establish centres of excellence, collaborate with industry to shape demand-driven curricula, and foster faculty development programmes that ensure educators are as AI-aware as their students. This transformation need not be expensive—it must be intentional. We've already seen industry giants like Microsoft and Google partner with Indian institutions to create AI upskilling initiatives. But what we need next is a coordinated national strategy—one that recognises business schools not just as talent factories, but as ethics incubators and policy influencers. Amid all this change, one thing must remain clear: AI should not be used to replace human intelligence—it should enhance it. And that enhancement must include empathy, diversity, fairness, and inclusion. We must teach our students that while AI may accelerate analysis, it cannot replace curiosity. It may automate tasks, but not trust. And it may generate content, but not character. Let us not create a generation of professionals who can code without conscience or automate without accountability. Let us instead nurture responsible leaders who understand that the future of business is not just digital—it's deeply human. In the race to keep up with AI, business schools must not just adapt—they must lead. And they must do so with boldness, foresight, and a renewed commitment to building a world where technology serves humanity—not the other way around. This article is authored by Radhika Shrivastava, CEO and president, FIIB.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Chemical found in common household items could be behind painful skin condition
An ingredient in popular soaps and body washes may be fueling a painful skin condition in children. A study led by scientists at Brown University and the University of Massachusetts Amherst found children with higher levels of triclosan in their bodies were more likely to have allergy-related health issues, suffering from eczema, a group of conditions that cause dry, flaky and cracked skin. Eczema, suffered by 32million Americans, can also lead to bumps and red, oozing and irritated skin. There is no cure but symptoms can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Triclosan, commonly found in antibacterial soap, deodorant, detergent and toothpaste, was widely used in personal hygiene products as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. However, in 2016, the FDA limited its use in consumer products after determining it offered no added benefit over regular soap and water. The FDA said manufacturers hadn't provided the data necessary to demonstrate the ingredient was both safe for daily use over a long period of time or any more effective than soap and water in preventing illnesses and the spread of certain infections. And more recently, experts have raised concerns over triclosan's health impacts on the endocrine system, as well as its potential toxic effects on the environment. Despite the FDA's limitation, the Cleveland Clinic notes that triclosan may still be present in certain toothpastes, deodorants, cosmetics, and detergents. The new study tracked 347 mothers and their children from pregnancy through the children's 12th birthdays. Researchers measured triclosan levels in urine of the mother-child pairs up to age 5, with additional assessments at ages 8 and 12. Between 6 months and 12 years of age, caregivers completed surveys reporting any allergy-related symptoms, such as eczema, allergic rhinitis, and wheezing. The study, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, found that children with twice the levels of baseline triclosan in their urine - researchers did not reveal the baseline - were 23 percent more likely to report eczema symptoms. This risk increased to nearly 40 percent by the time they were 8 to 12 years old. Additionally, children with double the urinary triclosan levels were 12 percent more likely to show allergy symptoms, such as sneezing or congestion. Researchers found that among boys, every two-fold increase in triclosan levels in the mother's urine during pregnancy was linked to a 1.9 times risk of the child experiencing allergic rhinitis symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. In the same increase for young girls, the risk of reporting rhinitis symptoms was nine percent lower. 'One hypothesis we have is that triclosan kills off helpful bacteria that live on our skin and in our bodies that help us form healthy immune responses,' said Hannah Laue, study author and assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. According to Beyond Pesticides, which tracks chemicals in consumer products, triclosan has been found in mouthwashes, deodorants, skincare and body lotions made by Colgate, Murad, Arm and Hammer and Bath and Body Works. It can be also found in clothes, cosmetics, kitchenware and humidifiers. 'Triclosan is effective at killing many bacteria, fungi and viruses,' Laue said. 'While that's useful for extending product shelf life or reducing odors in athletic wear, it can be harmful to humans. Our bodies rely on beneficial microbes to aid digestion and protect against pathogens. 'Exposure to triclosan may disrupt that healthy balance, leaving us more vulnerable to disease.' Laue also noted that triclosan has the potential to disrupt hormonal systems. She added: 'Some chemicals, including triclosan, can mimic or block hormones, potentially throwing essential systems into overdrive or shutting them down. 'Triclosan has also been linked to reduced thyroid hormone levels, which are critical for healthy growth and development.' Specifically, triclosan affects levels of estrogen as well as androgen, the male sex hormone. Triclosan is structurally very similar to thyroxine (T4), a hormone produced by the thyroid that governs crucial bodily processes including metabolism and growth. Studies suggest that the compound competes with T4 for binding to proteins, which disrupts the distribution of hormones in the bloodstream. Triclosan may also mimic or block hormones secreted by the thyroid gland at crucial receptor sites, scrambling their signaling to other parts of the body. A sweeping analysis of rodent studies showed that as triclosan exposure increased, levels of T4 decreased, as well as levels of total triiodothyronine (T3), a more potent cousin of T4. The compound's affects on humans has not been studied extensively, but lab studies have shown its deleterious affects on animals. The results of previous human studies were inconsistent, though. While one US study linked triclosan to higher T3 in adolescents, others found lower free T4 in obese women and pregnant women in their third trimester. When hormone levels are affected by triclosan, the metabolism might slow down, causing weight gain and fatigue. Thyroid dysfunction can also affect unborn babies, disrupting puberty and future fertility. Endocrine disrupting chemicals are believed to play a role in the development of breast cancer. A study out in February found that women with moderate to high levels of triclosan in their urine, after accounding for their ages and lifestyles, had roughly 1.9 to 2.3 times higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with low levels of the compound in their bodies. And low levels of T3 and/or T4 trigger the release of thyroid-stimulating hormones that can lead to an enlarged thyroid (commonly called a goiter) or lasting thyroid dysfunction. 'We hope that this will prompt companies to consider using safer antimicrobial chemicals or avoiding them altogether in their products,' Braun said. 'Some companies do offer products that are labeled "triclosan-free." But we need better regulations to protect people from harmful chemicals.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
‘They'll do it again': Slain US intern's mother warns after DC shooting; FBI offers $40K reward
Image: X@/DCNewsLive Tamara Jachym, the mother of a congressional intern fatally shot in Washington, DC, has urged police to bring his killers to justice, warning other parents that the same tragedy could strike their families too. Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was shot around 10:28 p.m. on June 30 and succumbed to his injuries the following day. The shooting occurred in the 1200 block of 7th Street Northwest, according to the Metropolitan Police Department. Jachym told Fox News that law enforcement must act swiftly to arrest the shooters, warning: 'They will do it again' if not held accountable. 'This is a serious crime. A mile from the White House. This isn't a joke. And then it happened again this weekend,' she said, referring to the fatal shooting of 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle during Fourth of July weekend in Washington, DC. 'You know, the mayor has to get serious with this.' 'I think Eric felt safe. It was early in the night. He was in a decent area, and this happened. And it's a shame. Eric was the 85th victim, and now we have an 86th,' she added. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo As of now, 91 people have been killed in DC this year. Police said several individuals exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group, although Tarpinian-Jachym was not an intended target. A 16-year-old boy and an adult woman were also shot but survived. Investigators located the suspect vehicle and confirmed the shooting was targeted, but Tarpinian-Jachym was struck unintentionally. Eric was a rising senior at UMass Amherst, majoring in finance and minoring in political science. He had been interning for Representative Ron Estes, Republican of Kansas, since June. 'I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,' Estes said in a statement. 'We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time.' An FBI spokesperson confirmed the bureau is working with local police on the case. Authorities have announced a $40,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction. Tipsters can call (202) 727-9099.
India.com
10-07-2025
- Business
- India.com
Meet Trapit Bansal, who got record-breaking job offer from…; not from IIM, IIIT, NIT, BIT, VIT; his annual salary is Rs…, to work as...
Who does not wish to receive a high-paying job? Every individual aspires to get a good placement and be successful in his/her life. However , with talent , passion, hard work, and dedication, some people turn their dreams into a reality. One such person is Trapit Bansal , a young man who hails from Uttar Pradesh. Trapit has received an unbelievable offer from Meta, the company that owns Facebook, to join their Superintelligence team. It is to be noted that Meta offered this young individual a package worth Rs 854 crore. Speaking of his educational qualification, Trapit studied Master of Science( Integrated), Mathematics and Statistics from 2007 to 2012 at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. In 2015, he pursued a Master of Science, MS, Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Furthermore, he completed a Doctor of Philosophy, PhD, Computer Science from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He worked as an Analyst at Accenture Management Consulting. He worked as a research intern at Facebook in 2016, at OpenAI in 2017, at Google in May 2018, Microsoft in June 2020. Originally, he hails from Uttar Pradesh. Additionally, he worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. In January 2022, he joined OpenAI as a member of Technical Staff. On July 1, 2025, Trapit took to X and wrote, 'Thrilled to be joining @Meta! Superintelligence is now in sight 🚀 .' Bansal co-created the model referred to as '01. In a post on LinkedIn, he wrote,'Thrilled to see the launch of o1! It's been an incredible (almost) 3-year journey working on this project with the amazing team at OpenAI to build AI models that take reasoning and problem-solving to the next level.' At present, he is part of Meta's Superintelligence team. Meta has offered him a package worth ₹854 crore.
New York Post
03-07-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Congressional intern for Kansas Republican shot and killed by stray bullet in DC
A 21-year-old congressional intern for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas was shot and killed by a stray bullet in Washington, DC, on Monday evening, according to police. Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a rising senior at University of Massachusetts Amherst in the Isenberg School of Management, was shot alongside two other victims when multiple suspects emerged from their vehicle and opened fire, the Metropolitan Police Department said. 3 Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was shot on Monday and died Tuesday. Linkedin Tarpinian-Jachym, who police said was not the intended target, was unconscious when authorities arrived at the scene. The other victims, a woman and a 16-year-old boy, were both conscious. All three were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, but Tarpinian-Jachym died Tuesday, the department said. The other two victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries, police said. 3 Tarpinian-Jachym worked as an intern for US Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas. Bloomberg via Getty Images Estes and his wife Susan offered their condolences to Tarpinian-Jachym's family in a statement. 'I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country,' Estes said. Tarpinian-Jachym was pursuing a BBA in Finance with a minor in Political Science, according to his LinkedIn. He was a dedicated public servant with four years of varied government experience under his belt. 3 Tarpinian-Jachym was set to graduate early with a BBA in Finance and a minor in Political Science next year. Getty Images He was set to earn his typical four-year degree early, according to his LinkedIn. The vehicle used by the gunmen was found, but no arrests have been made, police said. The department is offering a reward up to $25,000 for any information that leads to the group's arrest and convictions, which is usually offered for any homicide in the district.
