Scientists from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and the Botanic Garden of Sydney are now using artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and counter the impact the changing climate can have on plant life.
The researchers have trained an AI to uncover data from millions of plant specimens within herbaria —preserved plant collections— from around the world.
“Herbarium collections are amazing time capsules of plant specimens,” said lead author of the study, UNSW Associate Professor Will Cornwell, in a UNSW news release.
“Each year, over 8000 specimens are added to the National Herbarium of New South Wales alone, so it’s not possible to go through things manually anymore,” said Mr. Cornwell….