Danish researchers develop AI calculator that predicts ‘human death’ with 78% accuracy
Posted: December 22, 2023 4:19 AM Updated: December 22, 2023 4:19 AM
Edit and fact check date: December 22, 2023, 4:19 AM
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Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed the “Doom Calculator,” an AI algorithm that helps predict human death.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) have developed an artificial intelligence algorithm called the ‘Doom Calculator’ that can help predict death.
The algorithm, officially named Life2vec, successfully predicted death within four years in more than 75% of cases, according to a study published online in the journal Nature Computational Science. The AI model was also able to accurately predict people who would die by 2020 about 78% of the time, researchers said in the report.
According to the researchers, they collected data on more than 6 million people in Denmark, including information on age, health, education, occupation, income and other life events. Additionally, the dataset was provided by the Danish government, which collaborated on the study.
What sets this model apart is its unique approach. In other words, it works similarly to a chatbot and leverages existing details to predict a person’s lifespan.
In December 2023, Sune Lehmann, lead author of the study titled “Using the Sequence of Life Events to Predict Human Lives,” revealed the innovative methodology in an exclusive interview with The New York Post. “We use technology from ChatGPT (what we call the Transformer Model) to analyze human lives by representing each person as a series of events that occur in their lives,” he explained.
Unlike existing AI models, Life2vec examines the complex details of a person’s life, encompassing factors such as income, occupation, residence, and health history.
Lehmann explained his reasoning for using this method by comparing it to how words form sentences. Just as words come together in meaningful ways, events also happen in a specific order in our lives. It was chosen because predicting when someone will die is something people have been studying for a long time.
This allows us to use AI to understand important parts of human life.
To determine whether Life2vec works in practice, researchers surveyed a large group of 6 million people from diverse backgrounds in Denmark between 2008 and 2020.
They used Life2vec to find out who were likely to live at least four more years after January 1, 2016. The study showed that their data is flexible and can be used to create detailed timelines of how each person moves through time. This helps us understand the different paths people take in life.
Life2vec sparks ethical AI debate
The emergence of life2vec, in addition to its promising ability to predict life outcomes, triggers critical examination of the ethical and social implications associated with AI-based mortality prediction.
The accuracy and efficiency of the algorithms raises questions about the potential consequences of these predictions, including privacy, consent issues, and psychological impacts on individuals and families. As society grapples with the ever-expanding capabilities of AI, a broader conversation is emerging about the responsible use of technology to understand and navigate the complexities of human existence.
As we explore uncharted territory and reshape the contours of the relationship between artificial intelligence and humanity, striking a delicate balance between technological advancements and ethical considerations is essential.
The ongoing discourse is working to establish guidelines and frameworks that ensure the ethical deployment of AI and foster a future where technological innovation is seamlessly aligned with the preservation of human dignity and well-being.
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Kumar is an experienced technology journalist specializing in the dynamic intersection of emerging fields including AI/ML, marketing technology, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs. With over three years of experience in the industry, Kumar has established a proven track record in crafting compelling narratives, conducting insightful interviews, and providing comprehensive insights. Kumar’s expertise lies in producing impactful content, including articles, reports and research publications for prominent industry platforms. With a unique skill at combining technical knowledge and storytelling, Kumar excels at communicating complex technical concepts in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences.
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Kumar is an experienced technology journalist specializing in the dynamic intersection of emerging fields including AI/ML, marketing technology, cryptocurrency, blockchain, and NFTs. With over three years of experience in the industry, Kumar has established a proven track record in crafting compelling narratives, conducting insightful interviews, and providing comprehensive insights. Kumar’s expertise lies in producing impactful content, including articles, reports and research publications for prominent industry platforms. With a unique skill at combining technical knowledge and storytelling, Kumar excels at communicating complex technical concepts in a clear and engaging way to diverse audiences.