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A team at Massachusetts General Hospital has developed an AI-powered method to detect Alzheimer's disease with 90% accuracy using routinely collected clinical brain images. The model is blind to features of the brain associated with age and can detect Alzheimer's regardless of other variables. The study made substantial steps toward performing this in real-world clinical settings, making a strong case for clinical use of this diagnostic technology.
Join Imperial College London, France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), and the University of Lille in discovering new ways to tackle metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. The Integrative Metabolism International Research Project (IRP) will utilize artificial intelligence and machine learning to develop new drugs and treatments. The team aims to create a 'Google Earth' of metabolism and predict disease trajectories, advancing precision medicine. Led by Professor Mark Thursz at Imperial and Professor Marc-Emmanuel Dumas at the University of Lille's and CNRS's European Genomic Institute for Diabetes (EGID), this interdisciplinary project will deepen our understanding of metabolism's role in the body and revolutionize treatment for millions of people worldwide.
A new AI system that can diagnose dementia after a single brain scan is being tested. This system may also be able to predict the progression of the disease, improving patient outcomes and potentially avoiding further damage.
Investing in technology, such as AI and screening, can greatly reduce healthcare costs and prevent hospital visits according to AstraZeneca's chairman Leif Johansson.
Are you curious about what goes on in your brain when you listen to stories? Researchers have developed a non-invasive brain decoder that can translate stories heard by participants into text, based on their MRI scans. This technology could one day help people who are mentally conscious but physically unable to speak, such as stroke patients. Read more about this fascinating study in Smithsonian Magazine.
Transform the future of medicine with the power of AI! Using motion detection suits not unlike those used in movie production coupled with artificial intelligence, UK experts have been able to body movements in patients, resulting in assessments of genetic disorders twice as quick as doctors can. This has the potential to halve the time and cost of developing new drugs. Get ready to be blown away by the results!
Uncover the Divine Power of Artificial Intelligence: Meet Sybil, the new AI tool for predicting lung cancer risk developed by researchers at MIT, Mass General Cancer Center and Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.
Can blood rejuvenation really extend human lifespan by 10 healthy years? Silicon Valley entrepreneurs invest millions into life extension projects. But is it ethical? Read on to explore the scientific and ethical debates surrounding lifespan extension technologies.
Are you interested in learning about a new antimicrobial coating material that can effectively kill bacteria and viruses, including MRSA and Covid-19? Researchers at the University of Nottingham's School of Pharmacy have used a common disinfectant and antiseptic to create this new material that could be used as an effective antimicrobial coating on a range of plastic products. This new study, published in Nano Select, offers an effective way to prevent the spread of pathogenic microorganisms and address the ever-increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Read more to find out how this material was created and how it can help in hospital settings.
Learning about the science of breath-holding can be a fascinating and beneficial academic pursuit for high school students. Scientists have discovered that our diaphragm signals our body to take a breath, forcing a breakpoint when holding our breath. With relaxation techniques and distractions, we can delay our personal breakpoint. Learning about the physiology of breath-holding can help us understand our bodies better and develop techniques to improve our lung capacity. Additionally, competitive breath-holders have found that being submerged in water slows their metabolism, allowing them to hold their breath for longer. This academic exploration can improve our physical abilities and mental focus, making it a worthwhile pursuit for high school students.
Ballet dancers can perform pirouettes without feeling dizzy. Researchers found that years of training enable dancers to suppress signals from the balance organs in the inner ear. This discovery could help improve treatment for patients with chronic dizziness. The study also revealed differences in brain structure between dancers and non-dancers. Discover the secrets of dancers' brains and how it could lead to better treatment for chronic dizziness.
Chemotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body. The drugs are delivered through pills and injections and are toxic to all cells in the body, including healthy ones. However, cancer cells are more susceptible to the effects of chemotherapy because they multiply rapidly. Chemotherapy drugs can damage hair follicles, cells of the mouth, gastrointestinal lining, reproductive system, and bone marrow, which can cause side effects such as hair loss, fatigue, infertility, nausea, and vomiting. Despite these side effects, chemotherapy has greatly improved the outlook for many cancer patients. Advances in treatment have led to up to 95% survival rates for testicular cancer and 60% remission rates for acute myeloid leukemia. Researchers are still developing more precise interventions to target cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy tissues. Learning about chemotherapy can help high school students understand the science behind cancer treatment and the importance of ongoing research to improve outcomes for patients.
Stanford researchers have developed a smart bandage that painlessly falls away from the skin and tracks signs of recovery and infection. It even responds with electrical stimulation to hasten healing. The bandage resulted in 25% faster healing, greater blood flow to injured tissue, and less scarring in animal studies. The bandage is just one example of how Stanford researchers combine organic chemistry and novel materials to reimagine medical devices in more powerful, personal, and unobtrusive ways.
Have you ever had a moment of inspiration that led to a groundbreaking invention? In 1816, a doctor named René Laennec had just that moment while walking through Paris. He observed children using a long piece of wood to amplify sound and later used this concept to create the stethoscope. By placing a rolled-up sheet of paper to a young woman's chest, he was able to hear her heartbeat with clarity. Laennec spent three years perfecting his invention, which eventually became the forerunner to the stethoscopes we still use today. Learning about the development of the stethoscope not only expands your knowledge of medical history but also inspires you to think creatively and use everyday observations to solve complex problems.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a heart doctor? Well, look no further because we've got the inside scoop on the exciting and rewarding field of cardiology! As a cardiologist, you'll be responsible for diagnosing and treating heart conditions, helping patients live longer, healthier lives. From heart attacks to arrhythmias, you'll have the knowledge and skills to provide life-saving care to those in need. But being a cardiologist isn't just about saving lives, it's also about preventing heart disease. You'll work with patients to develop healthy habits and manage risk factors, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. And the best part? The field of cardiology is constantly evolving, with new treatments and technologies being developed all the time. You'll have the opportunity to stay at the forefront of medical advancements and make a real difference in the lives of your patients. Typical duties of a cardiologist include performing diagnostic tests, like electrocardiograms and echocardiograms, prescribing medication and lifestyle changes, and performing procedures like angioplasty and stenting. There are also many areas of specialisation within the field, such as electrophysiology and interventional cardiology. To become a cardiologist, you'll need to complete extensive education and training. This typically includes a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as biology or chemistry, followed by medical school and a residency in internal medicine. After that, you'll complete a fellowship in cardiology, where you'll gain specialised knowledge and skills. Helpful personal attributes for a career in cardiology include strong communication skills, attention to detail, and a passion for helping others. You'll also need to be able to work well under pressure and make quick decisions in life-or-death situations. Job prospects for cardiologists are excellent, with a growing demand for heart specialists around the world. Some notable potential employers include the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and Johns Hopkins Hospital, among many others. So, if you're looking for a challenging and rewarding career that allows you to make a real difference in the lives of others, consider becoming a cardiologist. Your heart (and your patients' hearts) will thank you!
The world of science is constantly evolving, and with it comes new discoveries that can benefit humanity. However, there are also risks associated with scientific research, particularly in the field of biotechnology. Gain of function work involves manipulating the DNA of microorganisms to give them new abilities, which can be used in vaccine production and cancer treatments. However, this work also includes engineering superbugs that could cause a global pandemic if they escape from the lab. While virologists argue that this research could help us prepare for future pandemics, critics believe that the risks outweigh the benefits. To minimize the risk of lab leaks, experts suggest creating international databases of leaks, near-misses, and fixes, as well as developing a robust pandemic early warning system. As students, it is important to understand the benefits and risks of scientific research and to be aware of the measures being taken to minimize the risks associated with it.
An interdisciplinary UCLA research team has developed a tiny implantable device called SymphNode, which has been shown to be able to drive tumours into remission, eliminate metastasis, and prevent the growth of new tumours, resulting in longer survival in mice. This groundbreaking technology may decrease the risk of cancer returning, making it a potential addition to chemotherapy or other first-step treatments for a variety of cancers.
As the world faces increasingly urgent environmental challenges, there is a growing need for sustainable solutions across all industries, including healthcare. Biodegradable implants are one such solution, with the potential to revolutionize the medical field while minimizing its environmental impact. Unlike traditional implants made from non-biodegradable materials, such as metal or plastic, biodegradable implants are designed to break down over time, leaving no harmful residue behind. This means they not only benefit the patient, but also the environment. One area where biodegradable implants are particularly promising is in orthopedic surgery. According to a study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Research, biodegradable implants made from natural materials such as collagen and silk have shown promise in promoting bone growth and healing. Leading academics in the field include Dr. Jennifer Elisseeff, a professor of biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University, whose research has focused on developing biodegradable scaffolds for tissue engineering, and Dr. Lisa E. Freed, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, who has worked on developing biodegradable implants for orthopedic applications. But the potential of biodegradable implants extends beyond orthopedics. They can also be used in drug delivery, wound healing, and other areas of medicine. In fact, researchers at the University of Cambridge are currently developing biodegradable implants for use in cancer treatment. As promising as biodegradable implants are, they are not without their challenges. For example, they must be designed to break down at just the right rate, neither too quickly nor too slowly, in order to ensure optimal healing. But with continued research and development, biodegradable implants have the potential to transform the medical field for the better.
Cells are the fundamental units of life, driven by the forces of the universe, and are impossible machines. They are biological robots that follow their programming, which has evolved over billions of years. Your cells are mostly filled with water molecules and proteins, which are the dead things that make life happen. Cells speak the language of life, which is made up of proteins that are formed from amino acids. Amino acids are the alphabet of the language of life, and proteins are the words that form sentences called biological pathways. The language of life is complex, and mindless cells speak it through DNA, which contains instructions, genes, and building manuals for all the proteins your cells need to function. Understanding the language of life can help you appreciate the amazing complexity of cells and their role in keeping you alive.
Scientists sequence Beethoven's genome from locks of hair, revealing new insights into his health and ancestry. The study, led by Cambridge University and other institutions, uncovers genetic risk factors for liver disease and an infection with Hepatitis B virus. Beethoven's hearing loss remains a mystery, but his genomic data rules out coeliac disease and lactose intolerance as potential causes. The study sheds light on the composer's health problems, including chronic gastrointestinal complaints and a severe liver disease that likely contributed to his death at age 56.
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