By outdoor-nature-child.com On October 22, it was announced that two renowned scientists recently awarded the 2024 World Top Scientists Association Prize were featured speakers at the ninth Pujiang Science Master Forum held at Fudan University.
Jon Kleinberg, an esteemed professor of Computer Science and Information Science at Cornell University, is known for his groundbreaking work in search engine algorithms and the underlying architecture of social networks. He achieved his Ph.D. from MIT at age 25 and published significant research on the HITS algorithm for external networks by the age of 28. His current focus is on promoting fairness in algorithms, particularly in how they assist humans in decision-making.
Kleinberg addressed key questions during his talk titled “A World Through Algorithms: Computation and High-Risk Decision Making.” He examined what the human world looks like from an algorithmic perspective, how we can ensure algorithmic fairness, and whether AI will eventually replace human actions.
On the other hand, Jeremy Nathans, a leading scientist in visual sciences, is a professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, specializing in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Neuroscience, and Ophthalmology. He has uncovered the molecular foundations of human color vision and explored the mechanisms of retinal development and their connection to hereditary eye diseases. His research into gene therapy for visual system diseases has opened new avenues in visual science and altered our understanding of how we perceive the world.
Nathans’ talk, titled “Color Vision, X-Chromosome Inactivation, and Female Advantage,” addressed intriguing questions about color perception, such as why some people have difficulty distinguishing between red and green, and why men are more prone to color blindness than women.
During his presentation, Kleinberg segmented over three decades of computer science development into three stages. He noted the rise of social media and how the internet has come to embody deeper meanings—fostering connections between people and machines and creating vast networks of information sharing and virtual communities. Since 2014, advancements in AI have ushered the internet into a third stage of development. “Algorithms play a crucial role in this process, allowing us to process massive amounts of information and extract valuable insights,” Kleinberg emphasized.
Kleinberg believes that surface-level data can reveal a wealth of meaning, and large models can uncover even more. He shared how they use geotagged data for heatmap analyses, leveraging large language models to sift through complex information and pinpoint significant trends. “When we employ algorithms to interpret this data, we can uncover both interesting and important social and cultural implications,” he stated.
However, the application of algorithms also brings new challenges. Questions arise about how to effectively analyze and transform virtual information into researchable material. Kleinberg suggested that leveraging machine learning and AI could strengthen the internet ecosystem built on these technologies. “We must consider the potential impacts of algorithms on human life and future generations,” he cautioned, stressing the possible risk of cultural homogenization. “If everyone uses the same algorithms to make decisions, might we end up with a convergence of our choices and culture?” He argued for the importance of diversity among those who design, use, and study these algorithms.
During the forum, Nathans discussed the genetic basis of human color vision, explaining that there are three types of color vision genes—red, blue, and green—each sensitive to different wavelengths of light but optimally responsive to specific wavelengths. He suggested that some audience members might possess color vision that differs from the norm, which is genetically determined.
In his research, Nathans has explored genetic disorders related to visual genes. In a groundbreaking study involving mice, he and his collaborators succeeded in genetically modifying mice with color vision deficiencies, allowing them to perceive colors previously invisible to them through tests for trichromatic vision. This remarkable finding highlights the extraordinary plasticity of the visual system.
“Scientific questions are like onions; every layer you peel reveals another,” he noted, adding, “Although we have conducted years of research, we still do not fully understand the specific mechanisms at play and need to continue our work.”