The Download: the state of AI, and protecting bears with drones (www.technologyreview.com)

Stanford's 2026 AI Index has revealed critical insights into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, highlighting a notable disconnect between expert optimism and public skepticism. While 73% of US AI experts perceive a positive impact of AI on jobs, only 23% of the general public agrees, illustrating a significant divide driven by differing experiences and expectations. This divergence underscores the complexities of AI's integration into various sectors, including the economy, healthcare, and workforce dynamics, as it continues to advance at an unprecedented pace. In another fascinating application of technology, drones are emerging as a crucial tool for wildlife management, demonstrated by the work of grizzly bear biologist Wesley Sarmento in Montana. As populations of grizzly bears rebound, Sarmento developed drone technology to enhance safety and monitoring, acting as a "wildlife first responder." This innovative use of drones not only aids in conflict prevention between bears and humans but also represents a growing trend of integrating AI and robotics in ecological conservation efforts, pushing the boundaries of how technology can support wildlife sustainability.