chatGPT-o1-mini first look

Today a new chatGPT was released by OpenAI called o1. chatGPT o1 "thinks" before it responds. This o1 AI model is said to outperform human experts at PhD-level science questions. Based on a few tests I did, o1 says "thinking" for a few seconds and then spits out something that would have taken me hours to compile from the literature. It is really wild.

Yesterday I made some notes on CMV in pregnancy after bouncing around some review articles. The purpose was to get up to speed on CMV in pregnancy. I achieved that goal. But I am wondering if this goal would have been achieved by asking chatGPT-o1-mini. So this morning with chatGPT o1-mini I asked it to "Explain why CMV is bad for pregnant women". The text in italics below is the output from chatGPT-o1-mini. I think anyone who glanced at my CMV cheat sheet from yesterday would agree that the AI version is better. I for sure could produce what it produced, but it would take me a solid chunk of time. It spit this out in seconds.

The AI models are progressing at such fast speeds that it is hard to predict what will become obsolete. I do not think AI will replace scientists. I do think AI may enhance our human potential as scientists and perhaps help us do what we do best, thinking.

The part I still do not understand for myself is whether or not it is valuable for me to prompt AI models and then learn what it spits out. Or whether I should go through the digging process myself and put it into my own words. I did learn some things yesterday that chatGPT did not mention about CMV in pregnancy. But I could keep prompting it to dig deeper and I am sure chatGPT would have taught me it. So should I learn these broad overviews from chatGPT or the old-fashioned way? The answer probably lies in how we learn best. Writing is supposedly one of the best ways to learn something. It sticks with you longer. And you have to have a framework in your head to write about it. When I get these nicely structured mini essays from chatGPT, I have no desire to make a note in my own words. The only way I can do that is if I do mine first and then do chatGPT second as a catchall.

I wonder if knowledge workers will lose the ability to write and think for themselves. More on that later. We have to keep practicing reading, writing, thinking, and communicating. If we don't, we will surely lose it.

chat-GPT-o1-mini output from "Explain why CMV is bad for pregnant women":

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus that belongs to the herpesvirus family. While it often causes mild or no symptoms in healthy individuals, CMV can pose significant risks to pregnant women and their developing babies. Here's why CMV is particularly concerning during pregnancy:

1. Transmission to the Fetus

Primary Infection: If a pregnant woman contracts CMV for the first time during pregnancy (primary infection), there is a higher risk of the virus being transmitted to the unborn baby.

Reactivation: Even if a woman has had CMV before, the virus can reactivate during pregnancy, although the risk of transmission to the fetus is lower compared to a primary infection.

1. Congenital CMV Infection

Birth Defects: Congenital CMV (when the virus is present at birth) is one of the leading causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. It can lead to a range of issues, including:

Hearing loss

Vision problems

Intellectual disabilities

Motor and coordination issues

Seizures

Microcephaly: Some babies may be born with a smaller head size due to abnormal brain development.

1. Symptoms in Newborns

Asymptomatic at Birth: Approximately 90% of babies born with congenital CMV show no symptoms at birth. However, some of these children may develop health problems later in life.

Symptomatic at Birth: About 10% of infected newborns exhibit symptoms, which can include:

Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Rash

Low birth weight

Enlarged liver and spleen

Pneumonia

Seizures

1. Long-Term Health Implications

Children with congenital CMV can face long-term challenges, such as:

Hearing Loss: This is the most common long-term effect and may be progressive.

Vision Impairments: Including chorioretinitis, which can lead to blindness.

Neurodevelopmental Delays: Affecting speech, motor skills, and cognitive functions.

1. Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges

Limited Screening: Routine screening for CMV during pregnancy is not universally practiced, making early detection difficult.

Treatment Options: There is no definitive cure for CMV. Antiviral medications may be used in some cases, but their effectiveness varies and they can have significant side effects.

1. Prevention Difficulties

Ubiquity of the Virus: CMV is widespread and can be transmitted through bodily fluids like saliva, urine, blood, and breast milk, making it challenging to avoid.

Asymptomatic Transmission: Infected individuals may not show symptoms, leading to unintentional transmission.

1. Psychological Impact

The potential risks associated with CMV can cause significant anxiety and stress for expectant mothers, especially if they are unaware of the infection status or the implications for their unborn child.

Preventive Measures for Pregnant Women

To reduce the risk of CMV infection during pregnancy, women can take the following precautions:

Hand Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after changing diapers, handling children's toys, or coming into contact with bodily fluids.

Avoid Sharing Utensils: Do not share food, drinks, or utensils with young children.

Limit Contact with Saliva: Avoid kissing young children on the mouth or cheek.

Practice Safe Hygiene: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated.

Conclusion

CMV is a significant concern for pregnant women due to the potential for severe congenital infections that can lead to lifelong health issues for the child. Awareness, preventive measures, and early detection are crucial in managing the risks associated with CMV during pregnancy. Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should consult healthcare providers for personalized advice and potential screening options.