Valley News
Coverage of Valley News in the Nexus archive.
- Can a chatbot be a responsible therapist? Dartmouth professor aims to find out
Dartmouth researchers Michael Heinz and Nicholas Jacobson developed Therabot, a generative AI mental health chatbot currently undergoing testing in approved research studies. The tool is being used within Dartmouth’s Center for Technology and Behavioral Health to assess its potential as an interactive intervention in therapy. Researchers emphasize the need for ethical guardrails when using such tools, stressing that their model differs from general conversational AI.
- Blake Hill Preserves prepares to move after employee furloughs
Blake Hill Preserves is relocating to an undisclosed location after furloughing nearly 30 employees, citing loss of a major customer and financial challenges. The company, founded in 2009, owes over $48,000 in unpaid loans and taxes but plans to resume full-scale manufacturing with a new partner, maintaining online sales and minimal customer impact.
- Report: Norwich woman died of asphyxia
An 82-year-old woman in Norwich, Vermont, died from asphyxia caused by nitrogen gas exposure, with the manner of death listed as undetermined. The Vermont State Police investigation into her death remains ongoing, and the incident initially raised suspicions. The deceased, Noel A. Neely, was a former state representative, and her husband's orthodontic practice has closed due to family circumstances.