The genetic cause of autism spectrum disorder is notoriously hard to research. Genetic markers for the disorder are tough to match from patient to patient because they're so rare--one of the most common genetic signifiers is only found in less than one percent of those diagnosed with autism. Even when genetic anomalies are found, they must be checked against family members genomes to ensure it's not attributable to a more commonly inherited mutation that doesn't cause disease. Researchers at Princeton and the Simons Foundation turned the traditional approach on its head, teaching a machine learning algorithm to look for the genetic relationships that could cause autism. The algorithm scoured a digital network of the human genome's interactions, looking for relationships and connections that are similar to those in previously-known markers for autism.

After generations of peering into a microscope to examine cells, scientists could simply stroll straight through one. Calling his project the "stuff of science fiction," director of the 3D Visualisation Aesthetics Lab at the University of New South Wales (UNSW), John McGhee is letting people come face-to-face with a breast cancer cell. SEE ALSO: 'No Man's Sky' hack lets you travel the universe in VR Using data pulled from a high-resolution electron-microscope at the University of Queensland, the expert in CGI has recreated the cancer cell in virtual reality. McGhee told Mashable Australia his team uses Unity, the development platform for video games, to build a 3D mesh of the cell adding texture, colour, light and any effects. Putting on a HTC Vive VR headset, scientists can essentially step into the petri dish and observe nanoparticle drugs being absorbed.

GWEN IFILL: Now: developing technology that can better identify your own emotions. At a time when people are concerned about what data can track and how it can be sold, it is an advance that clearly raises concerns. But it may also yield some important benefits. The "NewsHour"'s April Brown takes a look, part of our weekly series on the Leading Edge of science and technology. DAN MCDUFF, Director of Research, Affectiva: You can control the movements of BB-8, the little droid, based on how your facial expressions are changing.

Tapan Agarwal, Product Council Head at iGTB, has been cited in Global Trade Review in an article discussing the use of AI in the financial services industry. The article describes how financial services provides a fertile ground for AI applications because AI's strength comes from the quality of the data fed to it, and financial institutions themselves are data mines. In trade finance, AI applications can be found particularly in the field of compliance to prevent money laundering and fraud. Banks are currently facing the challenge of increased regulation in these areas, and keeping up with various requirements can be challenging for compliance departments. "Banks are failing to identify threats and fraudulent activities by relying solely on curated databases," commented Agarwal.

Boltt is a new sports technology startup that wants to change the way athletes use wearables. Rather than just providing metrics like most fitness wearables, it wants to introduce usable guidance through artificial intelligence. In short, while the athletes focus on their training, an AI-enabled personal coach crunches the data and gives personalized instructions. Boltt is working on this technology in partnership with Garmin. To come up with customized and informed advice, it will track movements of the athlete and classify them according to time, type and intensity.

With the corporate world embracing digital technologies, organisations are increasingly looking for resources with a difference who could enable them to create a distinctive presence in the marketplace. They are keen that the resources they onboard have analytical skills, visioning skills, learning skills, innovation capabilities, social skills and problem solving skills at all levels in the organisation--not just at the top. This is because digital transformation is unleashing a virtuous change at a regular interval to the processes and interactions with various stakeholders at multiple levels within the organisation and within the industry and it is expected of employees to adapt and respond quickly to these changes. Hence in addition to reorienting the employees within the organisation towards the need for the skills mentioned above, the new generation employees organisations wish to employ are expected to have these competencies. The mindset and the capabilities required to be successful in the digital era have to be developed while the next generation is still part of the academic system.

I just got back from SXSW where I was on a panel entitled "Can AI Systems Really'Think?'"

Machines can do some surprising things. But what you really want to know is this: Will your job be around in the future? What job is hardest for a robot to do? Mental health and substance abuse social workers (found under community and social services). This job has a 0.3 percent chance of being automated. That's because it's ranked high in cleverness, negotiation, and helping others.

Neuroscience innovation is colliding with digital technology in unprecedented ways. Advances in machine learning, AI, and Virtual/Augmented Reality are revolutionizing brain health and wellness. Our diverse panel includes experts in Neurosurgery, Psychiatry, Digital Health, and VR/AR. We will illustrate the latest uses of neurotechnology for targeted treatment of brain and behavioral health disorders. These will include examples from mental health, VR/AR, neuro-gaming, wearables, brain surgery, and medical devices.

In the past few years the wearables sector has been a hive of activity, but it feels like this year things have accelerated, particularly in the realm of health and wellness. A report by Forrester Research projected that 29 percent of Americans will use wearable devices, compared with 18 percent in 2015. It predicts that wearables sales will rise from 4.2 billion in 2015 to 9.8 billion in 2021. There has been more interest in wearables companies doing clinical validation. The AARP has been using its Project Catalyst initiative to validate the usability of connected devices and activity trackers for seniors.