The global trend toward a 4-day workweek has gained momentum, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as companies re-evaluated work practices and sought to improve work-life balance.

Reported benefits of a 4-day workweek include improved employee well-being, increased productivity, and better work-life balance.

For instance, a UK trial involving nearly 3,000 employees found that many businesses experienced a decline in employee turnover and improvements in productivity.

Additionally, employees reported better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved personal lives and mental health.

Employers express concerns about meeting customer demands and managing the complexity of a shorter week.

Some sectors, such as healthcare and customer-facing roles, may find it difficult to adopt this model due to the need for continuous service.

Equity issues also arise, as not all job roles or industries can easily transition to a 4-day workweek.

Despite these challenges, the trend is supported by the potential for cost savings, improved employee retention, and the ability to attract new talent.

The shift requires careful consideration of business continuity and may involve gradual implementation to assess productivity and meet organizational needs.

The global trend toward a 4-day workweek has gained momentum, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as companies re-evaluated work practices and sought to improve work-life balance.

Title:

Content: Four-day workweek’s popularity grew during the pandemic — survey

As companies scrambled during the COVID-19 outbreak to reorient their workplace procedures and processes, one idea that gained ground was a shorter workweek.

More businesses adopted a four-day week during the COVID-19 pandemic as the shift to remote working spurred a major rethinking of work practices, according to a poll of senior leaders at 500 UK businesses by the University of Reading’s Henley Business School.

The survey, an update to research from 2019, showed that 21% of respondents adopted a four-day workweek for all staff in 2021, up from 18% in 2019. The majority of respondents (65%) said a four-day workweek is in place for at least some of their workers, up from 50% who said that in 2019. A four-day workweek is defined in the report as involving a reduction from five to four workdays for the same pay or a compressed workweek with the same hours across four days instead of five.

Though a four-day workweek has gained popularity, the UK numbers are perhaps higher than expected; job posting site Indeed told Computerworld that less than 1% of job postings on March 11 included the term “four-day week,” for example. A Gallup survey of full-time U.S. employees in March 2020 — prior to the pandemic — indicated that only 5% put in four days a week, with the vast majority (84%) working five days (and 11% working six days each week).

That said, numerous organizations have adopted or trialled a shorter workweek for staff since the start of the pandemic, including firms such as Atom Bank, Bolt, Buffer, and Kickstarter. And pilot projects are under way in several countries, including the US, UK, and Spain.

Such projects are not new, of course; Microsoft launched a trial at its Japan offices in 2019 that resulted in higher productivity, for example, while the UK’s Wellcome Trust ran into issues around complexity with its own project the same year.

A shorter workweek has been talked about for decades, but a shift from the five-day, 40-hour week that has been the standard for over a century has so far failed to gain momentum.

What’s behind the recent interest in the idea? One reason is that the widespread, and largely successful, shift to remote work during the pandemic showed the benefits of a more flexible approach to work, said Rita Fontinha, associate professor in Strategic Human Resource Management at the University of Reading’s Henley Business School.

“The pandemic led to a situation where most firms were forced to implement remote work and this has accelerated previous discussions that we have been having over the last two decades on flexible working,” said Fontinha. “Working from home led to increased trust [between employers and employees] and awareness of other ways of measuring performance that go beyond presenteeism. The pandemic showed that flexibility works.”

Report highlights four-day week advantages

The Henley Business School survey pointed to several advantages for businesses that implemented a four-day workweek, including costs savings (66%), improved productivity (64%), better quality output from staff (64%), and  less-stressed workers (78%).

Improved employee wellbeing is connected to business outcomes too, said Jack E. Gold, founder and principal analyst at research firm J. Gold Associates.

“Keeping employees happy and motivated makes for far more productive employees, no matter what hours they work,” said Gold. “Maximizing employee productivity is a much more important way to gain business value than hours worked.”

Another benefit, noted by 68% of survey respondents that had adopted a four day week, involved hiring and retention. “People were less likely to take sick leave, people were more productive, and it was easier to attract new staff, and to retain them,” said Fontinha.

The so-called Great Resignation is also likely contributing to interest in a shorter workweek.

“What’s different now than prior to the pandemic is that we’re seeing a temporary spike in the difficulty that firms are having in hiring and retaining workers, and the four-day work week is a relatively easy benefit to extend to help ease the challenge in the short term,” said David Brodeur-Johnson, principal analyst at research firm Forrester.

A shorter workweek can mean challenges

The survey also highlighted several challenges around implementing a shorter workweek, though employer concerns have softened during the pandemic.

Among companies that did not offer a four-day week, 65% said they were worried staffing costs would outweigh any productivity benefits (though that number was down from 80%). The biggest challenge cited by employers was meeting customer demands (75%), while 70% thought a shorter week would be too complicated to manage.

Some companies may find a switch to a four-day week easier than others, said Fontinha. IT-focused firms are more likely to switch, she said, largely due to the relative ease with which tech worker output can be tracked in comparison with other roles. “Areas where we were less likely to see the four-day week were sectors that involve contact with customers, or healthcare, for example,” she said.

A shorter workweek is also more suited to companies with a relatively homogenous workforce in terms of job roles, she said, meaning large businesses with a diverse workforce may find a short workweek complicated to roll out. At the same time, the smallest companies might not have the resources to support the shift, said Fontinha, adding that there are steps all businesses can take to implement a four-day week, even if they are more gradual.

“Having this overnight shift to a four-day working week will be hard for smaller firms,” she said. “What we suggest is a progressive reduction in working hours, moving towards a four-day working week by assessing how things are going and how needs are being met, how productive people are.”

Even if the benefits outweigh the costs for many, businesses should consider their reasons for moving to a four-day week. While a shorter week provides clear benefits to work/life balance and employee wellbeing, Brodeur-Johnson warns against adopting a four-day week as a shortcut to improving employee experience. “[T]he science is clear that what really engages people is being able to make progress in meaningful work every day; to know that they can and are succeeding,” he said.

“Employee experience peaks when we can leave work knowing that we made a difference, and had a really good day," he said. "It also comes from having a supportive manager, a supportive team environment, and feeling recognized and seen uniquely for the work that we do.

“All of these things are much harder for businesses to do for their people, because it involves behavior changes, manager development, culture changes, deeper resourcing and more that a four-day work week won’t solve on its own.”

Copyright © 2022 IDG Communications, Inc.

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Reported benefits of a 4-day workweek include improved employee well-being, increased productivity, and better work-life balance.

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Content: World
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Four-Day Workweek Trial Proved So Successful Many UK Firms Will Retain It as New Policy

CC BY 2.0 / Nenad Stojkovic / Businesswoman with beautiful nails working on her laptopBusinesswoman with beautiful nails working on her laptop
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It's one of the largest trials to put a four-day workweek to the test. The non-profit firm invited companies to either shorten their employees’ workweeks by giving them one day a week off or reducing their work hours to 32 hours per week, while still paying their employees the same salary or wage as before the trial.
Newly released study results have suggested it might finally be time to implement a four-day work week after a trial revealed the shift provided major benefits to general productivity and employee health.
The trial, which took place in the United Kingdom, involved nearly 3,000 employees and was organized by the not-for-profit group 4 Day Week Global (alongside the research group Autonomy and researchers with Boston College and the University of Cambridge).
Some 61 British businesses including banks, fast-food restaurants and marketing agencies participated in the trial.
Analyzing the study findings, officials determined the businesses found a sharp decline in the number of employees wanting to quit, while about 46% of companies said their business productivity remained the same, and 34% reported a slight improvement in productivity. Another 15% of employers reported a significant improvement in productivity.
One company, Trio Media, reported a 47% increase in revenue from the year-earlier period. The chief executive of the company, Claire Daniels, said she would continue the trial for another six months before making a permanent switch, but added she didn’t “see [the company] going back to a typical five-days-a-week model.”
Overall on a scale of 0 (very negative) to 10 (very positive) employers scored the productivity and performance of their employees at 7.5 after six months of a shortened workweek. At least 18 businesses from the study said they planned to make the shorter workweek permanent, while 56 of the 61 companies said they would continue testing the shortened work shifts even after the trial ended.
Just three companies said they would not pursue a shortened workweek.
About 15% of employees who participated in the trial said that “no amount of money” could convince them to return to a five-day workweek, as employees reported better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved personal lives and mental health.
“At the beginning, this was about pandemic burnout for a lot of employers. Now it’s more of a retention and recruitment issue for many of them,” explains Juliet Schor, an economist and sociologist at Boston College whose team helped conduct the study.
A separate study from October 2021 found that in a survey of over 1,000 Americans, 98% of respondents said a four-day workweek would improve their mental health, nine out of 10 people said that a five-day workweek was outdated and almost 80% of respondents said the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged their desire for a shortened workweek.
Three out of four respondents in that another study also said they would consider leaving their current job if they were offered a position with a four-day workweek. And a Gallup Report from 2019 revealed that high turnover rates cost US businesses $1 trillion in voluntary turnover per year.
Opponents argue that a shortened workweek would not be suitable for every field of work including child care and health care, both of which are experience widespread staff shortages as nurses in England have gone on strike after struggling to secure increased wages from their government.
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What did  the trial of 4-day workwee in New Zealand show?

The employees were happier
The productivity  increased

What did a survey on 4-day workweek conducted in Hong Kong show?

61% of respondents said employers could implement a four-day workweek to improve employees' mental health.

What did surveys conducted in London before and after the experiment of 4-day workweek  find?

54% of employees had better balance of work and home responsibilities

What has a Gallup Poll found out about the prospect of 4-day workweek?

77% of American employees believe that it will have a positive impact on their health

What has the implementation 4-day wrokweek in Dubai, UAE indicated?

Increase in employee and customer satisfaction.

What did  the trial of 4-day workwee in New Zealand show?

The employees were happier
The productivity  increased

What did a survey on 4-day workweek conducted in Hong Kong show?

61% of respondents said employers could implement a four-day workweek to improve employees' mental health.

What did surveys conducted in London before and after the experiment of 4-day workweek  find?

54% of employees had better balance of work and home responsibilities

What has a Gallup Poll found out about the prospect of 4-day workweek?

77% of American employees believe that it will have a positive impact on their health

What has the implementation 4-day wrokweek in Dubai, UAE indicated?

Increase in employee and customer satisfaction.

For instance, a UK trial involving nearly 3,000 employees found that many businesses experienced a decline in employee turnover and improvements in productivity.

Additionally, employees reported better sleep, lower stress levels, and improved personal lives and mental health.

What did  the trial of 4-day workwee in New Zealand show?

What did a survey on 4-day workweek conducted in Hong Kong show?

61% of respondents said employers could implement a four-day workweek to improve employees' mental health.

What did surveys conducted in London before and after the experiment of 4-day workweek  find?

What has a Gallup Poll found out about the prospect of 4-day workweek?

77% of American employees believe that it will have a positive impact on their health

Employers express concerns about meeting customer demands and managing the complexity of a shorter week.

What has the implementation 4-day wrokweek in Dubai, UAE indicated?

Some sectors, such as healthcare and customer-facing roles, may find it difficult to adopt this model due to the need for continuous service.

What did Labor economist Jonathan Boys say about 4-day workweek?

Healthcare industry may face more problems.

What did Labor economist Jonathan Boys say about 4-day workweek?

Healthcare industry may face more problems.

Equity issues also arise, as not all job roles or industries can easily transition to a 4-day workweek.

Title:

Content: The four-day work week is welcome, but some challenges remain

This shift has thrown up interesting questions on macro and micro levels that over time will need answering

Beta V.1.0 - Powered by automated translation

The sin of presenteeism is shaping up as a pre-pandemic anachronism, and the principal reason for this is not just remote working but an emerging historic global shift towards a shorter working week.

The global headaches from supply constraints following Covid-19 disruption have overshadowed equally profound changes in the labour market. For some bosses, there is rationing not just of the number of workers but the time they are willing to work. As people reassess their work-life balance, responsible employers and some countries are looking at the advantages of compressed hours on the job.

The UAE is a trailblazer in this regard, with most emirates having formally adopted a 4.5-day working model. Sharjah has gone further by opting for a four-day model. Reporting last week in this newspaper found that its residents said they are healthier and happier, enjoying more weekend flexibility and having more time with their families.

Many forecasts over recent years have been very wide of the mark about the economic trajectory of the big developed economies. The Resolution Foundation, a UK-based think tank that looks at work, points out that in analysing the pandemic, “many feared a house price bust, expected the inflation spike to be small/short-lived, said unemployment/insolvencies for workers/firms respectively would surge and claimed this would be a ‘she-cession’. None happened”.

Technology is the driver of all this, and the trend may over time become irresistible

Analysis of Google searches in the UK from an employment agency recently reported the four-day work week had gained popularity among people on the hunt for their next job opportunity. “Google searches for "4 day week jobs" exploded a spectacular 1,011 per cent in early 2022, when compared to 2021,” according to the firm’s research.

One of Britain’s biggest and best-known corporate brands, the department store M&S, has hired a well-known female executive who is a prominent four-day week champion, Katie Bickerstaffe. She said her role was compatible with shorter hours, even though it is a round-the-clock operation.

“We’re a seven-days-a-week, 24-hour operation and that’s what you do, but I’ve always done that [four days] because it gives me the freedom to spend some downtime with my kids and not feel that I don’t have the opportunity to do that during the week,” she explained.

The news coincided with the announcement that 70 UK companies had voluntarily joined a scheme to alter the working week basis of their business. Signing on to a pledge to pay 100 per cent of wages for 80 per cent of the hours worked means much more than just creating new rotas. It means altering the internal working patterns of the business and finding new ways to accommodate latency in the workforce.

Not everyone is convinced this can deliver a kind of workplace nirvana.

The Centre for Policy Studies carried out some research last year that estimated that a four-day week would have a big cost to the economy if productivity levels remained constant. The annual shortfall to the economy would be £45 billion ($55.42bn). On more generous calculations, if a 6 per cent increase in productivity could be achieved in the first decade of the reform, the loss overall could be pared back to £17bn. The analyst behind the figures believes the evidence for productivity gains from compressing hours and having shorter working weeks is extremely limited.

That is not much of an argument for not experimenting with shorter weeks. Employees already job-share and expect work-from-home arrangements throughout the work force. In office-based roles or project work, the flexibility to complete the workload that comes with the job most obviously lends itself to working with a defined, shorter time frame.

There are hurdles for other jobs. Customer-facing roles or service functions will still need to be provided across a far longer time-frame than four days or 32 hours. Unlike in Sharjah, there is no clear directive in the UK for a common day that extends the weekend. Indeed, many people working four days chose a non-consecutive day, such as Wednesday, for the non-working option.

Without the government plumping for Friday as part of a three-day weekend, it is likely that businesses will experience co-ordination both internally and with clients and supplies if substantial numbers in the workforce are missing in action for part of the working week.

There are also concerns around the equality of the development. Can it be true that more flexibility would allow women, in particular, to better balance childcare obligations and thus erode the disadvantage with men?

And as the work-from-home phenomenon has shown, the higher-paid employees have snapped up the main benefits from structural changes in how people work. There is little to suppose that this trend would not emerge from the four-day week.

Technology is, of course, the driver of all this, and the trend may over time become irresistible.

Certainly, the difficulties of drawing an absolute boundary between the working day and your time revolve around the fact that your email is always in your pocket on the phone. That is double-edged. It would be difficult for employers to play another card: offering people four days’ pay, not the salaried five.

Published: June 13, 2022, 4:00 AM

What did Labor economist Jonathan Boys say about 4-day workweek?

Healthcare industry may face more problems.

Education industriy may face more problems.

Food and beverage industry may face more problems.

Despite these challenges, the trend is supported by the potential for cost savings, improved employee retention, and the ability to attract new talent.

What do employers in India think of 4-day workweek?

The shift requires careful consideration of business continuity and may involve gradual implementation to assess productivity and meet organizational needs.

What challenges will the companies with diverse workforce have for implementing 4-day workweek??

Complicated to roll out for large companies


A review of 17 studies involving over 4,000 participants found that well-designed exercise programs, including Tai Chi, significantly reduced fall-related injuries and curbed falls leading to fractures and serious injuries.

Tai Chi emphasizes balance training, which is crucial for fall prevention.

Tai Chi's slow, methodical movements enhance balance, flexibility, and coordination, making it particularly beneficial for seniors.

It is also associated with improved mental clarity, reduced stress levels, and better cardiovascular health.

Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than aerobic exercises, which can indirectly contribute to fall prevention by improving overall health.

In a study, participants engaged in Tai Chi sessions four times a week for an hour each, which led to significant improvements in blood pressure and balance.

Additionally, Tai Chi's focus on mind-body connection and internal awareness can help seniors maintain stability and prevent falls.

Overall, Tai Chi is a valuable exercise for older adults to improve mobility and prevent falls, with evidence supporting its effectiveness when practiced consistently.

A review of 17 studies involving over 4,000 participants found that well-designed exercise programs, including Tai Chi, significantly reduced fall-related injuries and curbed falls leading to fractures and serious injuries.

Title:

Content: Exercise programs meant to prevent falls in seniors may also help prevent injuries caused by falls, according to a new review.

Fall-related injuries are common among seniors and a major cause of long-term pain and disability. They also increase the risk of having to go to a nursing home and have a high economic cost.

The new findings, published online Oct. 29 in the journal bmj.com, suggest that "reducing the risk of falling and improving protective responses during a fall may be an important and feasible means of preventing fractures and other serious injuries in the elderly," the study authors wrote in a journal news release.

Well-designed exercise programs can prevent falls in seniors living at home, but there is a lack of evidence on whether such programs can help prevent fall-related injuries, said French researchers Fabienne El-Khoury and colleagues.

In this review, they analyzed 17 studies that looked at whether fall-prevention exercises lowered seniors' risk of fractures and other injuries caused by falls. More than 4,000 participants were involved in all.

Tai Chi was the exercise in two of the studies, but most of them used gait, balance, strength and functional training, which involves workouts that help people do normal daily activities.

Most of the programs reduced fall-related injuries and appeared to significantly curb falls that lead to fractures, serious injuries and medical care.

Balance training was emphasized in all of the exercises that were effective in preventing falls, the researchers noted.

More information

The U.S. National Institute on Aging has more about older adults and falls.

Latest videos

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Tai Chi emphasizes balance training, which is crucial for fall prevention.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How does Tai Chi enhance balance and body coordination?

It incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms of Parkinson's disease that may cause falls of elderly patients.

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Tai Chi's slow, methodical movements enhance balance, flexibility, and coordination, making it particularly beneficial for seniors.

Title:

Content: Study suggests tai chi is better than aerobic exercise at lowering blood pressure

According to a recent study, Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art, lowers blood pressure more effectively than other types of exercise such as stair climbing or brisk walking. Over a year, Chinese researchers examined two groups of high blood pressure participants—one performing the Chinese martial arts and the other with aerobic exercise.

The study's authors argue that their findings, which were published in the JAMA Network Open Journal, should persuade medical professionals to advocate for moderate martial arts as a means of preventing heart disease in those with high blood pressure.

How was the study conducted?

The study included 349 individuals, 51.5% of whom were women, who had been diagnosed with prehypertension and were randomized to either the aerobic exercise or tai chi group. During a 12-month period, both groups engaged in four weekly 60-minute supervised sessions.

The aerobic exercise interventions comprised jogging, cycling, brisk walking, and climbing stairs. The tai chi group practiced Yang-style tai chi, which consists of 24 standard movements or forms. At baseline, six, and twelve months, blood pressure was measured. The mean change in SBP from baseline to 12 months, as measured while walking and in an office setting, was the main endpoint.

At the end of the research, blood pressure was within normal range in 21.8% of the tai chi group and 15.6% of the aerobic exercise group without medication. In the tai chi group, fewer patients had advanced hypertension (12.0% vs. 17.7%) than in the aerobic exercise group.

What is tai chi?

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that has gained popularity as a kind of meditation and mind-body workout. Its roots are in traditional Chinese medicine and Taoist philosophy, which date back to ancient China.

Key features

This practice is known for its slow, methodical movements that seamlessly transition from one stance to the next. These motions, which are frequently continuous and circular, encourage balance, flexibility, and calmness.

This practice places a strong emphasis on the relationship that exists between the mind and the body. Practitioners emphasize developing an internal awareness, living in the now, and synchronizing their movements with their breath.

This practice includes aspects of meditation that promote a relaxed and concentrated state of mind. People who participate in the technique, which is sometimes referred to as "moving meditation," perform a series of flowing motions while paying close attention.

This practice incorporates a lot of weight shifting and deliberate walking into its routines, which can enhance balance and coordination. Because of this, this Chinese practice is very helpful for senior citizens and anyone looking to improve their stability.

Regular practice has been linked to many health advantages, such as higher mental clarity, lower stress levels, enhanced flexibility, improved cardiovascular health, and an overall sense of well-being.

These results clearly show that this Chinese practice can be very helpful in lowering sympathetic excitability and offering prehypertensive people primary treatment. This practice may be a more beneficial option for controlling high blood pressure than standard aerobic activities, especially for people with prehypertension, according to new research.

Future research is necessary to fully investigate the possible advantages and long-term impacts of this Chinese practice in the management of hypertension.

Edited by Divya Singh

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What excercises shall aid in Alzheimer's and dementia prevention?

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

It is also associated with improved mental clarity, reduced stress levels, and better cardiovascular health.

What does Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursin say about Tai Chi?

She tells NPR that Tai Chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

An overall sense of well-being.
Improved cardiovascular health.
Lower stress levels.
Higher mental clarity.

Regular practice of Tai Chi has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than aerobic exercises, which can indirectly contribute to fall prevention by improving overall health.

Title:

Content: Tai Chi Tops Other Exercises for Blood Pressure

More participants in a yearlong study saw their numbers drop than those who did aerobic exercises
By Gina Carey,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 17, 2024 8:23 AM CDT

Signing up for a tai chi class might come with an unexpected health benefit: lower blood pressure. A new clinical trial found that participants with prehypertension or slightly elevated blood pressure had improved measurements after practicing tai chi for a year—even more so than a group that regularly did aerobic exercises, reports the Washington Post. The yearlong study split 342 adults in China into two groups. The first group was given an aerobic regimen—60 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking—to practice four times per week. The second group learned a tai chi routine to perform four times weekly for an hour.

The participants had their blood pressure measured six months in, and then again after a year. During the course of the study, they also received health education and were encouraged to follow a diet developed to improve heart health. While all participants were at risk of hypertension at the start of the study, 21.8% of people from the tai chi group saw their blood pressure lowered to an ideal range, while 15.6% from the aerobic group fell within that range, according to the study published in the journal JAMA Network Open. So what might explain tai chi's advantage in lowering blood pressure?

Ruth Taylor-Piliae of University of Arizona's College of Nursing tells NPR that tai chi's gentle, slow movements and controlled breathing tend to activate what's known as the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the body during times of stress. She also notes that it's an accessible form of exercise. "I think the beauty of tai chi is that you don't have to have a special gym membership, you don't have to have special clothing," says Taylor-Piliae, who was not involved in study. "Once you learn tai chi, you can do it anytime, anyplace, anywhere. And it does kind of provide that calming, relaxing" effect. Other benefits associated with tai chi include improved balance, flexibility, and muscle strength, per Harvard Health. (More blood pressure stories.)

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For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

In a study, participants engaged in Tai Chi sessions four times a week for an hour each, which led to significant improvements in blood pressure and balance.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

What health advantages have been linked to regular practice of Tai Chi?

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Additionally, Tai Chi's focus on mind-body connection and internal awareness can help seniors maintain stability and prevent falls.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

Overall, Tai Chi is a valuable exercise for older adults to improve mobility and prevent falls, with evidence supporting its effectiveness when practiced consistently.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.

For which group is Tai Chi beneficial to?

It is very helpful for anyone looking to improve their stability.

How often should one practice Tai Chi to benefit from the exercise?

What are some of the health benefit of Tai Chi according to Harvard Health?

What benefits does Tai Chi haves for healthy aging?

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like mobility.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like stability.

It helps to improve factors linked to a longer life like balance.

What did some studies show about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It improves the balance of older people.

It limits the danger of falls among the elderly.

What did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice?

What do orthopedic specialists say about the benefits of learning Tai Chi?

Excercises like the horse stance in Tai Chi that can help prevent falls.

What have studies shown about Tai Chi's health benefit?

It can effectively improve the movement symptoms that may cause falls of elderly patients.

Why did the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention advise elderly people to practice Tai Chi?

Because it can prevent falls that may result in fracture.


Voice cloning technology uses AI to replicate human voices, allowing them to say anything in multiple languages with just a short audio sample.

This technology is developed using AI and deep learning, which analyze voice samples to create a model that can replicate the voice.

It is used in various fields, including entertainment, where it can create multilingual content for global audiences, and accessibility, such as AI-dubbed documentaries to bridge language barriers.

However, it also poses risks, such as scams where cloned voices are used to impersonate individuals for fraudulent activities.

Real-world examples include China Media Group's AI-dubbed English documentary, which enhances global communication by making content accessible to a broader audience.

In gaming, Stellaris uses AI-generated voices ethically, ensuring voice actors consent and receive royalties.

Conversely, the technology has been misused, as seen with fake celebrity voices spreading disinformation on social media.

The FCC has ruled that AI-generated voices fall under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, allowing action against scams.

Entertainment lawyers are exploring how AI-generated music might violate copyright laws, emphasizing the need for licenses if AI models are trained on existing works.

Ethically, the technology's potential for misuse, such as creating deepfake audio for scams, highlights the need for guidelines to ensure responsible use.

The controversy surrounding AI-generated voices, like Scarlett Johansson's legal action against OpenAI for cloning her voice without consent, underscores the importance of protecting individual rights.

Voice cloning technology uses AI to replicate human voices, allowing them to say anything in multiple languages with just a short audio sample.

Title:

Content: Language No Barrier: New AI tool can clone voice and make it say anything in multiple languages

Imagine former US President Donald Trump speaking in flawless Hindi. A new AI voice cloning tool by ElevenLabs can clone voices and make them say anything in a bunch of different languages. All it needs is a three-second sample clip and a bit of text as the prompt.

Mehul Reuben Das May 03, 2023 13:42:20 IST

Imagine former US President Donald Trump speaking in flawless Hindi. A new AI voice cloning tool by ElevenLabs can clone voices and make them say anything in a bunch of different languages. All it needs is a three-second sample clip and a bit of text as the prompt.

As advanced as AI-based voice cloning has been, there were a few limitations to it. For example, voice generators were mainly bound by the language of the source they were trained in or rather the language of the prompt that was given to them. Now, ElevenLabs, an American AI software developing company has come up with a tool that does away with that limitation.

ElevenLabs’ new AI tool can clone the voice of a person and make it say anything in a bunch of different languages. All it needs is a clear voice sample of about 3 seconds, although it also suggests that the longer the sample, the better will be the results. The new tool even manages to maintain the speaker’s original tone of voice.

Limitless possibilities
The creators expect that this would ‘extend the possibilities’ in a variety of industries such as publishing, gaming creation, and media. “Introducing Eleven Multilingual v1: Our New Speech Synthesis Model! We’re thrilled to launch our new model supporting seven new languages: French, German, Hindi, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, and Spanish.”

“This advancement expands the horizons for creators, game developers, and publishers, and it paves the way for using generative media to create more localized, accessible, and imaginative content,” the company said.

Following the announcement, Twitter was flooded with comments, with users testing the software on various famous faces.

To demonstrate just how capable the new voice cloning AI tool is, Eluna AI, a platform for AI-content creators experimented with a sample clip of former US President Donald Trump.

In their demo, Eluna AI showcased a small clip of Donald Trump, speaking in his native tongue, English, followed by French, Spanish, German, Hindi and Italian, almost perfectly. The generated samples even gets the accent right, almost if he was a native speaker of the new target language.

Another user changed David Attenborough’s voice to German while the BBC broadcaster discussed the prospects of AI. “With this tool, anyone can do it,” stated the Twitter user. “It’s also worth noting that fraudsters will undoubtedly exploit this one.”

ElevenLabs says that its model was designed to understand the emotion and reasoning underlying words in order to produce natural-sounding and persuasive audio. ElevenLabs has said that some numerals and symbols are currently spoken wrongly, but that it is striving to rectify this.

Who is this new tool meant to help?
The US-based company believes its technology will be valuable in a variety of areas, including education and journalism.

Game developers and publishers can build engaging, localised experiences for worldwide audiences, breaking through language barriers and connecting with players and listeners to maximise engagement and efficiency while maintaining quality and accuracy.

“Educational institutions now have the ability to develop audio content for varied users in their target languages, enhancing language comprehension and even pronunciation abilities, as well as responding to different teaching methods and learning demands,” says the report.

Because of the model’s capacity to produce unique character-like voices, audiobook and content developers may also find it beneficial.

The conundrum of AI voice genertors
Despite its benefits, ElevenLabs’ launch comes amid widespread concern about the wave of new voice cloning technology. An unidentified TikTok user went popular last month after sharing an AI-generated Drake song starring The Weeknd.

It sparked concerns about the grey area of AI-created music and whether it constitutes a copyright violation. Nonetheless, ElevenLabs claims to be ‘fully committed’ to respecting creators’ rights in the midst of technological advancements.

“At Eleven, we think that we should seek to make the best use of emerging technology, but not at any expense,” it stated.

“As we create them, we make every effort to put suitable controls in place that reduce the possibility of detrimental abuse. With this in mind, we are entirely committed to both protecting intellectual property rights and taking action against infringement.”

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Music labels are worried because of AI, thanks to a surprising new song ft. Drake X The Weeknd

Someone used AI to create a whole new song featuring Drake and The Weeknd. But because the singers never sang the song, artists and music labels are worried, how AI voice modulation and AI-generated songs can disrupt the industry.

World

Artificial Imposter: 47% of Indian phone users have experienced AI voice scams, highest in the world

About half of Indian adults, or 47%, have experienced AI voice scams, nearly double the global average of 25%. Furthermore, nearly 69% of adults say they can't differentiate between a real and an AI-generated voice.

How will AI Voice help educators with building courses?

What is necessary for voice cloning to work?

This technology is developed using AI and deep learning, which analyze voice samples to create a model that can replicate the voice.

Title:

Content: Aug 31, 2022

Now, software can replicate your boss’s voice and tell you what to do

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"Deepfake" audio technology is here, and scammers are taking advantage.

If you’re listening to or have already listened to the beginning of this episode, you probably noticed that the voice introducing Kimberly Adams sounded a bit off, right?

That’s because it’s an audio “deepfake,” and it was created by Yisroel Mirsky at the Offensive AI Research Lab through a process called voice cloning.

It uses software to study a short sample of someone’s voice and create a deepfake, which in this case took only 15 seconds to generate, according to Mirsky.

It’s far from a perfect replica, but it turns out that scammers recently started to use deepfake audio for telephone scams and in some cases have succeeded.

Marketplace’s Kimberly Adams recently spoke with Kyle Alspach, a cybersecurity reporter with Protocol, about how the tech behind audio deepfakes works and how they’re being used in phone scams. The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Kyle Alspach: The technology involves having [artificial intelligence], deep learning, and it takes an audio sample of someone’s voice. It can be as little as three seconds, and it trains itself on the way that this person sounds. And it creates a model that can then be used to replicate that person’s voice. The current way that it works is you have to use text to speech, which is just you type in a phrase, and then it speaks using the cloned voice.

Kimberly Adams: How are these audio deepfakes being used in scams?

Alspach: So they’re, at least we know, being used to target businesses at this point, especially larger businesses. Someone will call up pretending to be someone else with someone else’s voice, typically some kind of executive or someone’s boss, and ask them to transfer funds or ask them for password credentials, that kind of thing. And in some cases, they have been successful.

Adams: Do you have a sense of how common audio deepfakes are now? And where do experts in the industry see it going?

Alspach: You know, among the larger businesses, I think more and more of them are starting to see these because they’re really ripe targets for this kind of thing. But right now, I don’t think that it’s something that a lot of people are seeing, but it is the beginning of this kind of technology being used in this way.

Adams: What do cybersecurity experts suggest that regular people or businesses do to avoid falling for these deepfake audio scams?

Alspach: For business purposes, for instance, if you’re going to transfer money, you might want to add some additional steps to that process and involve someone saying some kind of challenge phrase or something like that, that everyone’s agreed on beforehand, [to] prevent that from happening. But the biggest thing is just to be aware that it might happen to you and to pay attention when someone calls you up and make sure that it actually sounds the way you would expect, and they are asking you for things that they normally would be asking you for. It’s really at this point kind of a low-tech approach to defending against this kind of thing. But really, it’s just creating the possibility in your mind of this happening. And I guess, unfortunately, you kind of have to become more skeptical now when people call you up.

You can read more of Alspach’s reporting on audio deepfakes here.

Yisroel Mirsky told us that the tech he used to generate the deepfake audio for Alspach’s article, and for our show, is “relatively old.”

Alspach also mentioned in his piece that there is an open-source voice cloning tool online that anyone — even scammers can download and potentially use.

But as we found out, getting that software to work isn’t a simple process of downloading and hitting the Install button.

Tech barriers can stop you at a number of steps in the process. Like, if you don’t know the coding language Python or if your computer isn’t powerful enough, you’ll likely be unable to use it, as our producer Daniel Shin discovered.

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It is used in various fields, including entertainment, where it can create multilingual content for global audiences, and accessibility, such as AI-dubbed documentaries to bridge language barriers.

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China Media Group Debuts AI-dubbed English Documentary, Pioneering Global Communication

China Media Group launches its first AI-dubbed English documentary, enhancing global reach and fostering international understanding through advanced AI technology.

Aqsa Younas Rana
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In a groundbreaking move, China Media Group has launched its first AI-dubbed English documentary, marking a significant milestone in the use of artificial intelligence for global media outreach. This innovative approach to dubbing not only showcases the advancements in AI technology but also underscores China's ambitions to foster better international communication and understanding. Through this initiative, the documentary, originally produced in Mandarin, has been made accessible to a broader English-speaking audience, enhancing its global reach and impact.

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Revolutionizing Content Accessibility

The application of AI in dubbing the documentary into English reflects a growing trend in leveraging technology to bridge language barriers. Similar to the educational advancements discussed in 'Voice Cloning in Education: Bridging Language Gaps in Learning Environments,' this initiative by China Media Group capitalizes on the potential of AI voice cloning technology. By generating lifelike digital replicas of human voices, the documentary's AI-dubbed version maintains the authenticity of the original narration while making it understandable for English-speaking viewers. This technological leap not only improves accessibility but also ensures the delivery of content with emotional depth and cultural nuances intact.

The launch of this AI-dubbed documentary serves as a testament to China's commitment to enhancing global dialogue and cultural exchange. By removing language barriers, China Media Group is effectively broadening the documentary's audience, enabling people from different parts of the world to gain insights into Chinese culture, history, and perspectives. This initiative aligns with the broader objective of promoting mutual understanding and respect among diverse global communities, paving the way for more inclusive and informed international discourse.

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Setting New Standards in Media Production

China Media Group's pioneering use of AI technology in documentary dubbing sets new standards for media production and distribution. It illustrates the potential of AI to transform traditional media practices, making content more accessible and engaging for global audiences. As AI technology continues to evolve, it is likely to open up further possibilities for creating multilingual content, thereby enhancing the reach and impact of media across borders. This development also raises important considerations regarding the ethical use of voice cloning technology, underscoring the need for guidelines that ensure its responsible application in media and beyond.

As we reflect on the implications of this technological advancement, it becomes clear that AI-dubbed media content holds significant promise for fostering international understanding and cooperation. By making diverse cultural and educational materials available in multiple languages, we can build a more connected and informed world. The initiative by China Media Group not only highlights the practical applications of AI in media but also invites us to contemplate the future of global communication in an increasingly digital age.

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Eleven Labs is extending its voice cloning services for which industries?

Eleven Labs is extending its voice cloning services for which industries?

However, it also poses risks, such as scams where cloned voices are used to impersonate individuals for fraudulent activities.

What do cybersecurity experts believe about the use of synthesized voice?

could become a popular method of attacking banks and financial services

Real-world examples include China Media Group's AI-dubbed English documentary, which enhances global communication by making content accessible to a broader audience.

In gaming, Stellaris uses AI-generated voices ethically, ensuring voice actors consent and receive royalties.

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Stellaris director insists “ethical use of AI is very important to us” after generating voices in latest DLC

“We're pretty good at exploring dystopian sci-fi and don't want to end up there ourselves”

The director of Paradox’s grand sci-fi strategy game Stellaris has insisted that the studio’s use of any AI-generated assets will be “ethical”, after revealing that latest expansion The Machine Age features AI voices for characters and used AI-generated art and text during its development.

Stephen ‘Eladrin’ Muray took to the game’s subreddit to respond to discussion and concerns from players about The Machine Age’s disclaimer on Steam that “generative AI technologies [were used] during the creation of some assets”, including two voices - an in-universe AI antagonist and player advisor - heard in the final release.

Muray clarified that the developers didn’t use any AI-generated artwork found in the final expansion or for making concept art (“We've got a couple of awesome concept artists on staff for that”), while acknowledging that “a couple” of AI-generated images might have been part of the team’s mood boards or similar during development.

“Personally, I use image generation tools to make basic sketches of things the System Designers and I are thinking of since I very much suck at art, but am pretty decent at getting computers to do what we're thinking,” Murray said. “The artists then take our ideas and might or might not use them as inspiration to make final assets. None of those design images go into the game.”

Murray also sought to explain the Steam disclaimer that “typically [the use of AI technologies] involves the ideation of content and visual reference material”, mentioning that the team use AI-generated text to “break writer’s block” by - per Muray’s example - asking for suggestions for what a player might find in a mysterious box and using those prompts as “inspiration”.

“None of the results or generated text go into the game,” Muray repeated, with the game’s disclaimer additionally claiming that “these elements represent a minor component of the overall development”.

What’s likely to be more contentious are AI-created elements that are found in the final release, notably two voices - the Synthetic Queen Cetana, who is an in-universe AI, plus an advisor to the player - generated by AI.

Muray insisted that the developers have “got some strict guidelines in place on how we can use AI tools legally and ethically that we abide by”, claiming that the human voice actors upon whom the generative AI model was based explicitly signed up for their use in AI and receive royalties for any AI voice lines created based on their samples.

“Ethical use of AI technology is very important to us - we're pretty good at exploring dystopian sci-fi and don't want to end up there ourselves,” Muray wrote, adding that a forthcoming developer diary would further detail the use of AI-generated voices.

Stellaris, of course, is not the first game to make use of the controversial tech, with multiplayer shooter The Finals generating commentary using AI and Uncover the Smoking Gun dressing up a ChatGPT text prompt as a murder-mystery game. Still, AI remains especially divisive - and AI-generated voices especially so, with the decision of actors’ union SAG-AFTRA to permit AI voice replicas earlier this year rightfully upsetting the humans upon whose talent and hard work the soulless models are built - often without due recompense.

That ongoing controversy can already been seen in The Machine Age’s recent Steam reviews, with a number of players criticising the decision to utilise generative AI in any form - despite Muray’s belief that it’s been handled in an “ethical” way.

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Conversely, the technology has been misused, as seen with fake celebrity voices spreading disinformation on social media.

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Dark corners of the web offer a glimpse at Artificial Intelligence's nefarious future

AI tools such as Dall-E and Midjourney generate novel images from simple text descriptions. But a new wave of AI image generators are made for the purpose of creating fake pornography, including removing clothes from existing images.
Last Updated 08 January 2024, 10:39 IST

When the Louisiana parole board met in October to discuss the potential release of a convicted murderer, it called on a doctor with years of experience in mental health to talk about the inmate.

The parole board was not the only group paying attention.

A collection of online trolls took screenshots of the doctor from an online feed of her testimony and edited the images with artificial intelligence tools to make her appear naked. They then shared the manipulated files on 4chan, an anonymous message board known for fostering harassment and spreading hateful content and conspiracy theories.

It was one of numerous times that people on 4chan had used new AI-powered tools such as audio editors and image generators to spread racist and offensive content about people who had appeared before the parole board, according to Daniel Siegel, a graduate student at Columbia University who researches how AI is being exploited for malicious purposes. Siegel chronicled the activity on the site for several months.

The manipulated images and audio have not spread far beyond the confines of 4chan, Siegel said. But experts who monitor fringe message boards said the efforts offered a glimpse at how nefarious internet users could employ sophisticated AI tools to supercharge online harassment and hate campaigns in the months and years ahead.

Callum Hood, head of research at the Center for Countering Digital Hate, said fringe sites such as 4chan -- perhaps the most notorious of them all -- often gave early warning signs for how new technology would be used to project extreme ideas. Those platforms, he said, are filled with young people who are "very quick to adopt new technologies" such as AI to "project their ideology back into mainstream spaces."

Those tactics, he said, are often adopted by some users on more popular online platforms.

Here are several problems resulting from AI tools that experts discovered on 4chan -- and what regulators and technology companies are doing about them.

Artificial Images and AI Pornography

AI tools such as Dall-E and Midjourney generate novel images from simple text descriptions. But a new wave of AI image generators are made for the purpose of creating fake pornography, including removing clothes from existing images.

"They can use AI to just create an image of exactly what they want," Hood said of online hate and misinformation campaigns.

There is no federal law banning the creation of fake images of people, leaving groups such as the Louisiana parole board scrambling to determine what can be done. The board opened an investigation in response to Siegel's findings on 4chan.

"Any images that are produced portraying our board members or any participants in our hearings in a negative manner, we would definitely take issue with," said Francis Abbott, executive director of the Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole. "But we do have to operate within the law, and whether it's against the law or not -- that has to be determined by somebody else."

Illinois expanded its law governing revenge pornography to allow targets of nonconsensual pornography made by AI systems to sue creators or distributors. California, Virginia and New York have also passed laws banning the distribution or creation of AI-generated pornography without consent.

Cloning Voices

Late last year, ElevenLabs, an AI company, released a tool that could create a convincing digital replica of someone's voice saying anything typed into the program.

Almost as soon as the tool went live, users on 4chan circulated clips of a fake Emma Watson, a British actor, reading Adolf Hitler's manifesto, "Mein Kampf."

Using content from the Louisiana parole board hearings, 4chan users have since shared fake clips of judges uttering offensive and racist comments about defendants. Many of the clips were generated by ElevenLabs' tool, according to Siegel, who used an AI voice identifier developed by ElevenLabs to investigate their origins.

ElevenLabs rushed to impose limits, including requiring users to pay before they could gain access to voice-cloning tools. But the changes did not seem to slow the spread of AI-created voices, experts said. Scores of videos using fake celebrity voices have circulated on TikTok and YouTube -- many of them sharing political disinformation.

Some major social media companies, including TikTok and YouTube, have since required labels on some AI content.

President Joe Biden issued an executive order in October asking that all companies label such content and directed the Commerce Department to develop standards for watermarking and authenticating AI content.

Custom AI Tools

As Meta moved to gain a foothold in the AI race, the company embraced a strategy to release its software code to researchers. The approach, broadly called "open source," can speed development by giving academics and technologists access to more raw material to find improvements and develop their own tools.

When the company released Llama, its large language model, to select researchers in February, the code quickly leaked onto 4chan. People there used it for different ends: They tweaked the code to lower or eliminate guardrails, creating new chatbots capable of producing antisemitic ideas.

The effort previewed how free-to-use and open-source AI tools can be tweaked by technologically savvy users.

"While the model is not accessible to all, and some have tried to circumvent the approval process, we believe the current release strategy allows us to balance responsibility and openness," a spokesperson for Meta said in an email.

In the months since, language models have been developed to echo far-right talking points or to create more sexually explicit content. Image generators have been tweaked by 4chan users to produce nude images or provide racist memes, bypassing the controls imposed by larger technology companies.

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(Published 08 January 2024, 10:39 IST)

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What are some risks regarding AI voice clning?

The FCC has ruled that AI-generated voices fall under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, allowing action against scams.

Title:

Content: Moving at rapid speed, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has just announced its unanimous adoption of a new Declaratory Ruling finding that voice calls using artificial intelligence (AI)-generated voices fall under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA).

The ruling takes effect immediately and gives state attorneys general powerful new tools to go after voice cloning scams. Under FCC rules, telemarketers that use robocalls subject to the TCPA are required to obtain prior express written consent from the consumer unless an exemption applies. The TCPA has always prohibited the use of both prerecorded and artificial voices but advances in AI-generated voices have prompted the FCC to specifically address their use.

In recent years, scammers and other parties have begun using AI to create fake and even "cloned" artificial voices, including those of celebrities, politicians, and even a call recipient's family member. In this election season, there has been increasing concern about the use of voice clones to engage in voter suppression schemes.

Concerned about the potential malevolent uses of these AI-generated voice calls, the FCC issued a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) in November on the topic of "Implications of Artificial Intelligence Technologies on Protecting Consumers from Unwanted Robocalls and Robotexts." In the NOI, the FCC asked questions regarding the use of "AI-influenced" technologies in robocalling. A coalition of 26 state attorneys general, as well as a telecommunication carrier trade group, strongly urged the FCC to take action to give the attorneys general clear authority to act against AI-generated robocall violators.

The FCC now has made clear that the use of voice cloning in telephone calls and texts falls within the FCC's statutory authority under the TCPA. A major intent of the ruling is to communicate that the TCPA "does not allow for any carve-out of technologies that purport to provide the equivalent of a live agent, thus preventing unscrupulous businesses from attempting to exploit any perceived ambiguity in our TCPA rules."

As FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel explained, "with this Declaratory Ruling, we will have another tool to go after voice cloning scams and get this junk off the line."

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Entertainment lawyers are exploring how AI-generated music might violate copyright laws, emphasizing the need for licenses if AI models are trained on existing works.

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How AI will reshape the music industry, according to 5 entertainment lawyers

This story is available exclusively to Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now.

  • AI-generated music is set to create a slew of new legal challenges for artists and rights holders.
  • Copyright and right of publicity laws are top of mind for entertainment attorneys as AI songs surge.
  • Here are four key takeaways from a recent panel on AI music hosted by the law firm Manatt.

AI-generated tracks simulating artists like Drake and The Weeknd have spread across social media in recent weeks, forcing record labels, publishers, and streaming platforms to reckon with its potential business impact on musicians.

Some artists like Grimes are embracing the technology by setting up AI content-creation tools in an attempt to profit from the use of their voices. Others, such as Ice Cube, are rejecting the technology outright.

Regardless of artists' views, adoption of the technology is on the rise. Entertainment lawyers are planning strategies for how they can protect their clients, including using existing tech designed to detect and enforce copyright protections under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, or DMCA, and invoking right of publicity laws.

"Music is unfortunately a canary in a coal mine sometimes with new technology," said Jordan Bromley, entertainment group leader at Manatt, Phelps, & Phillips, LLP, speaking on a May 9 panel hosted by the firm.

Manatt's panel included Bromley; his colleagues Nathaniel Bach and Sarah Moses; Mitch Glazier, chairman and CEO of the Recording Industry Association of America; and Jeffrey Bennett, the general counsel for the Hollywood actors and music artists union SAG-AFTRA.

Here are four main takeaways on the legal and business challenges of AI in music called out by the panelists:

1. Understanding AI training models will be important for enforcing copyright law

Technology exists today to identify copyright violations in songs after they are released.

The Verge reported that Universal Music Group used DMCA detection tools to submit a takedown request for an AI-generated track imitating Drake and The Weeknd that included a traceable tag from the producer Metro Boomin, for example.

But the precise manner that AI-generated music, trained on a human artist's body of work, could violate copyright laws is still being defined.

"We don't always have information about how a particular AI song is created and how the software works," Manatt's Bach said. "Figuring out where the rubber meets the road there in terms of the internal working processes, what was done by the AI, what was done with the human, and for what purpose, is going to be really central."

The copyright rules surrounding AI training models are currently being litigated in other parts of the art world. The company Getty Images and several visual artists have separately sued AI image generators like Stable Diffusion, Midjourney, and Stability AI around alleged use of their works in training programs.

During Manatt's panel, RIAA's Mitch Glazier raised the idea that an AI model trained on existing songs should legally be defined as a mechanical reproduction, which would require a license.

2. Right of publicity may play an important role in AI legal cases

Right of publicity laws, which protect an individual's right to control the commercial use of their personal characteristics, could be a useful tool for lawyers looking to protect artists from AI-generated imitations.

If a song that includes an AI-generated voice that mimics a well-known artist is making money, it may violate right of publicity laws in certain states.

"You have to look at what is the intent and commercial benefit to the person who is putting it out, and then what is the commercial consequence to the market itself and to the artist on the other works that they have out in the marketplace," RIAA's Glazier said.

Because right of publicity laws are written at the state level, they can be more time consuming to enforce and aren't a perfect solution, the attorneys said.

"It's sort of a patchwork of state laws," SAG-AFTRA's Bennett said. "It's time to take it out and see what we can do with it."

3. Streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube will play a big role in AI's future

The sheer volume of AI songs spit out onto streaming platforms could create detection challenges for rights holders. Music platforms like Spotify and YouTube could set limits on how much AI music spreads, the attorneys said.

"Even if we get the tools, we need to think about enforcement very carefully, because this is a whole new game of whack-a-mole," Manatt's Bromley said.

Separately, the business incentives between the platforms and rights holders may not be aligned.

Some streaming apps may push to add AI-generated tracks to their libraries as a way to cut costs by reducing the royalty payments due to human artists, record labels, and publishers.

"If you're a [digital streaming platform] and you want to add your bottom line, you create AI technology that can make functional music and you throw all that on your playlists and you shift 10% of total content costs to your bottom line," Bromley said. "If a company wants to work with the music business and be on the right side of history, they won't do that."

Record labels are already looking for ways to regulate how streaming platforms work with AI tools. Universal Music Group sent letters in March to Spotify and Apple Music requesting that they block artificial-intelligence companies from using their catalogs to train AI models, Billboard reported.

4. AI isn't inherently bad, and could spark new creative work in music

While much of the conversation in Manatt's panel centered on the risks that AI presents to the music industry, there were a few notes of optimism about how the technology could benefit musicians.

"The other side of this coin is this is a great creative tool if embraced properly and used appropriately and responsibly," Bromley said.

AI-generated works that share earnings with an artist, such as Grimes' Elf.tech tool, could end up creating a new revenue line for performers. Universal Music Group announced on Tuesday a partnership with AI-music startup Endel to help its artists and labels create "soundscapes for daily activities like sleep, relaxation, and focus by harnessing the power of AI."

"If you look at history, those who have decided to become partners and work with the music community have thrived with the music community," RIAA's Glazier said. "Those who have decided that they're going to use legal loopholes and try to pay less, or pay nothing, you don't really hear about them much today."

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Ethically, the technology's potential for misuse, such as creating deepfake audio for scams, highlights the need for guidelines to ensure responsible use.

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could become a popular method of attacking banks and financial services

The controversy surrounding AI-generated voices, like Scarlett Johansson's legal action against OpenAI for cloning her voice without consent, underscores the importance of protecting individual rights.

Title:

Content: "I was forced to hire legal counsel," actress Scarlett Johansson responds after Microsoft partner OpenAI 'clones' her voice for ChatGPT

What you need to know

  • Recently, Microsoft partner OpenAI demonstrated new AI tools that come with natural language conversational dialogue.
  • The "voice" chosen sounded eerily similar to Samantha in the AI Netflix movie "Her," voiced by Scarlett Johansson of Marvel Avengers fame.
  • OpenAI mysteriously pulled the voice yesterday, likely ahead of planned legal action by Johansson.
  • Today, Johansson issued a statement confirming that OpenAI had essentially begged her for the rights to her voice, despite claiming it had used other voice actors in a large and defensive article.
  • Microsoft is partnered with OpenAI for language models, following a multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment.

Shared exclusively via NPR, Marvel Avengers alumni Scarlett Johansson has reacted angrily to OpenAI's seeming theft of her voice to power its new AI assistants. In the statement, Johansson shares that she has sought legal counsel, and will be persuing action against the firm which could have widespread implications for the legalities of ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and similar technologies.

Microsoft's Copilot assistant is powered by OpenAI's language models, based on GPT-4. Last week, OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman demonstrated the latest version of GPT, which feels like a large leap in natural language reproduction. However, users noted the strange familiarity in the AI's voice. Similar to the AI from the Netflix movie "Her," OpenAI's own artificial assistant sounded eerily similar to Scarlett Johansson.

"I was shocked, angered and in disbelief that Mr. Altman would pursue a voice that sounded so eerily similar to mine that my closest friends and news outlets could not tell the difference."

See the full statement below.

Seemingly aware they were about to get sued, OpenAI pulled the voice technology yesterday, and released a large and very defensive tranche explaining how it arrived at the oddly familiar tones. OpenAI doesn't seem to think its defence will hold up in a court of law, however, given that it has fully pulled the voice work despite claiming it was produced from 400 submissions and bespoke recordings at its HQ.

OpenAI drags Microsoft into murky waters

The pace of development of AI is at complete odds with the pace of legislative interest. Bureaucracy-laden governments in the west are utterly unprepared to deal with the deluge of issues artificial intelligence is going to cause with regards to copyright, false information, and beyond — even before we consider how entire industries will vanish over night.

Today at Microsoft's AI and Surface Event, the firm unveiled a range of new features that Microsoft Copilot will produce, including in-game answers in Minecraft, as well as the ability to recall previous files. Microsoft has emphasized that its AI systems won't send your data up to the cloud unless you explicitly opt-in. This is all thanks to new NPU neural processing units that will perform AI tasks on local hardware, as part of Microsoft's new Copilot+ AI PC initiative.

AI systems like the voice powering OpenAI's ChatGPT tools or indeed, ChatGPT itself, requires masses of human-created data in order for computers to remix the information and reproduce it. That requires millions of articles, comments, photos, videos, and other types of content "borrowed" by Microsoft and its partners, without any form of compensation. This potential Scarlett Johansson legal action is just the tip of a murky legal iceberg that Microsoft potentially finds itself directly in front of.

Co-Managing Editor

Jez Corden is a Managing Editor at Windows Central, focusing primarily on all things Xbox and gaming. Jez is known for breaking exclusive news and analysis as relates to the Microsoft ecosystem while being powered by tea. Follow on Twitter @JezCorden and listen to his XB2 Podcast, all about, you guessed it, Xbox!


Indoor green walls improve air quality by filtering pollutants and increasing oxygen levels, which can enhance respiratory health and reduce stress.

They also contribute to temperature regulation by providing natural insulation, which can reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Exposure to greenery has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function.

This makes them a valuable addition to environments such as offices, hospitals, and schools, where mental well-being is crucial.

These systems require less frequent watering and are easy to install and maintain, making them suitable for both residential and commercial properties.

In tropical climates, plants that thrive in humidity and warmth, such as ferns and tropical vines, are ideal.

For indoor settings, hardy plants like snake plants, spider plants, and succulents are recommended due to their low maintenance needs and air-purifying qualities.

They are a testament to how architectural innovation can harmonize with nature to create healthier, more sustainable living spaces.

Indoor green walls improve air quality by filtering pollutants and increasing oxygen levels, which can enhance respiratory health and reduce stress.

Title:

Content: Planting, Watering and Healing: Surprising Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

The grass isn't always greener. Since the early 80's, scientists have studied the biophilia hypothesis – that seeing plants is beneficial to our physical and mental health. With increased urbanization, exacerbated by lockdowns due to a global pandemic, it's becoming harder and harder to ‘go out and get some air.'

The indoor plant market, already spiking in 2019, continues to surge – expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

A study released by Data Bridge Market Research estimates the indoor plant market will reach $26.23 billion by 2029. The physical and mental health benefits of succulents and other indoor houseplants are important factors.

Many people may be surprised to discover the lesser-known benefits of indoor gardens, but experienced horticulturalists and gardeners have been advocating for the expansion of home gardens for decades.

Stress and Anxiety Reduction

The addition of real or artificial indoor plants has become a standard practice in many offices, hospitals, schools, and other institutions. According to researchers, just seeing a living plant in the otherwise sterile hospital waiting room environment has been shown to reduce stress levels.

In another study, subjects were asked to repot a living plant or complete a computer-generated task. Those who handled the plants reported feeling more at ease and also experienced lower blood pressure. Participants who performed the computer-based task reported higher levels of anxiety and elevated blood pressure.

Maria Failla, Garden Expert and host of the Growing Joy with Plants podcast, shares, “When I was struggling with depression, it was helpful for me to keep plants indoors that helped me get out of my head and drop into the present. I'd see how many senses I could engage while taking 3 mindful breaths alongside my plants. Scented plants like herbs and geraniums are amazing for this. I love the rose-scented geranium for its romantic scent and the fuzzy leaves I could rub, pinch and take deep inhales with.”

Speed Up The Healing Process

A number of indoor houseplants, such as snake plants, orchids, and spider plants, have natural air purification qualities. Others improve a room’s humidity level or deliver a soothing fragrance. Microgreens also provide essential nutrients, making them ideal for patients in recovery.

Even seeing an indoor houseplant can improve a recovering patient’s mental and emotional state. One study concluded that installing indoor gardens in hospital rooms and public areas positively impacted overall recovery times and patient satisfaction.

Improve Mood During Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent household quarantines created a spike in indoor plant sales as many consumers discovered the natural air purification benefits of succulents and other plant species. Indoor gardening also provided isolated households with an activity that could be performed safely while under quarantine.

A study conducted in Bulgaria concluded that participants who maintained a home garden or raised houseplants had fewer incidents of anxiety or depression during enforced lockdowns than others who did not invest in plants or other greenery.

Cassidy Tuttle, gardening expert and owner of Succulents and Sunshine, observes, “Succulents are great plants for people who have depression. They don't require as much work as other plants, so they can tolerate the ups and downs that frequently come with depression. They stay looking healthy even if they're not watered regularly. Haworthiopsis fasciata, Zebra Plant, is an especially good option for indoor plants because it doesn't require a lot of light or water.”

Best Entry-Level Houseplants For Starting Indoor Gardens

Annie Schreck, Research Director at Mountain Crest Gardens, offers some insights and recommendations for beginners. “At Mountain Crest Gardens, we hear back from customers all the time that filling their homes and offices with succulents brightens their mood every day. The studies I have seen in this realm indicate that having plants around can correlate with improved student performance in classrooms and reductions in stress and sick days in workplaces. I certainly hope more researchers investigate these complex human-plant interactions.

Schreck adds, “There’s something about having other living creatures in a room that makes it feel cozy and inviting. Caring for them and seeing them respond is just so rewarding. And the great thing is, everyone gets to explore which varieties lift their mood the most! If you’re not sure where to start, I’d recommend indoor succulents like Haworthia, Jade plants, and Gasteria.”

Snake Plants

Snake plants (Sansevieria trifasciata)—also known as mother-in-law’s tongue— are thick-leaved succulents prized for their resilience and tolerance for drought. They grow well under low-light conditions, which makes them ideal for indoor gardens and room decor.

One major health benefit of snake plants is natural air purification. This goes beyond the standard absorption of carbon dioxide, however. Snake plants also remove and filter toxic gases such as benzene, xylene, and formaldehyde. They are also said to reduce headaches, improve respiration, and reduce eye irritations.

Microgreens

Microgreens such as broccoli, cabbage, and kale offer a wide range of health benefits, and their compact size makes them ideal for indoor gardens, especially hydroponics. Microgreens and fresh herbs provide home gardeners with flavorful aromatics and salad ingredients.

Among the many health benefits associated with microgreens are blood sugar regulation, vision protection, body weight reduction, and protection from anemia. Growing microgreens is also a highly recommended activity for those recovering from substance abuse since the plants provide the nutrition many addicts lack.

Orchids

While some orchid varieties have earned a reputation for being a challenge to grow, there are many varieties that require only minimal to moderate care. Besides their exceptional qualities as flowering plants, orchids are also natural air purifiers and oxygen generators. As part of a floral arrangement or as individual blooms, orchids have been shown in studies to reduce stress and improve mood.

Orchids are also recommended for people with sleep issues since the plant’s significant oxygen generation and aesthetic qualities both help create more soothing conditions at bedtime and during overnight hours.

Spider Plants

Spider plants have become popular houseplants for first-time home gardeners because of their child and pet-friendliness, ease of propagation, and exceptional air-purifying qualities. Beginning gardeners only need a small cutting from an existing spider plant to start their own projects.

The trailing leaves of a spider plant make it ideal for hanging baskets, a popular growing technique for limited spaces. The plant also raises the room’s humidity level, which helps address respiratory issues triggered by dry air conditions.

Peperomia Plants

 Because of their ability to thrive in drafty, dark, and humid locations in the home, peperomia plants are often referred to as “radiator plants”.  Peperomia plants are succulents, which means they are naturally resilient to abuse and require minimal maintenance.

Tinctures and other products derived from peperomia plants are used to address a range of medical ailments, including headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, and kidney issues. The plant also has antifungal and antioxidant properties.

Jade Plants

Another popular succulent for indoor gardens is the ornamental and medicinal jade plant. The jade plant’s distinctive round leaves have become associated symbolically with the acquisition of money and wealth. The jade plant’s appeal goes beyond the ornamental, however.

Products derived from the juice of the jade plant have been used in many cultures for the treatment of ailments including diabetes, skin wounds, digestive issues, and warts. In traditional Chinese culture, the presence of a jade plant also improves the flow of chi, or life force.

This article was produced by Media Decision and syndicated by Wealth of Geeks.

They also contribute to temperature regulation by providing natural insulation, which can reduce energy consumption in buildings.

Title:

Content: Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd Now Provides Singapore Properties with Vertical Green Walls

Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd is famous for its vertical wall planters, green walls and flower backdrop in Singapore. The company caters to residential and commercial clients as well.

Singapore, 2023-Jan-04 — /EPR Network/ — Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd, the leading landscaping company in Singapore is offering vertical green walls to commercial and residential properties. Whether it is a retail showroom or a high rise, the vertical green wall is an innovative approach towards introducing nature amidst the concrete jungle.

The company uses quality vertical wall planters, ensuring the healthy growth of the plants. These vertical walls are easy to maintain, assemble, install, disassemble, and reinstall. The technique used by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ensures the user does not have to spend much time tending and taking care of the plants.

Along with green walls, the company also provides clients with exquisite flower backdrops in Singapore to complement the greenery around them. It’s a long-term investment as a green wall can last up to 25 years.

Vertical walls by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd come with some unique features:

  • Custom design to suit the client’s needs.
  • Minimal watering of the green wall plants.
  • Ultra-low maintenance ensured.
  • Quick installation due to a modular system.
  • Use of plants that can survive in a tropical climate.

Why choose a vertical green wall?

  • Reduces waste of energy.
  • Improves air quality.
  • Makes the structure sustainable.
  • The space becomes more fire-resistant.
  • Minimizes ambient noise.

The general installation cost for a vertical green wall by Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd ranges between $200 per square meter and $1200 per square meter, depending on the design, the kind of plants used and the installation process.

About the company:

One of the oldest nurseries in Singapore, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd has 50 years of experience in the industry. Started out humbly as a flower shop, Prince’s Landscape Pte Ltd have evolved into a full-fledged landscape design and installation specialist.

Contact Details

Telephone: 65 6763 7000

Fax: 65 6892 2700

WhatsApp: +65 8838 3479

Email: buzz@prince.com.sg

Address: 53 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698998

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Exposure to greenery has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and even enhance cognitive function.

This makes them a valuable addition to environments such as offices, hospitals, and schools, where mental well-being is crucial.

These systems require less frequent watering and are easy to install and maintain, making them suitable for both residential and commercial properties.

In tropical climates, plants that thrive in humidity and warmth, such as ferns and tropical vines, are ideal.

For indoor settings, hardy plants like snake plants, spider plants, and succulents are recommended due to their low maintenance needs and air-purifying qualities.

They are a testament to how architectural innovation can harmonize with nature to create healthier, more sustainable living spaces.