An 18-year-old college freshman at Cornell University has developed a computer program that uses artificial intelligence, reams of biomedical data, and various algorithms to “read” mammogram images, reports NPR.
[Abu] Qader acknowledges that interpreting mammograms is usually the task of radiologists, but his goal is not to replace human physicians, he says, but to help them — particularly in areas, often in low-income countries like Afghanistan, where trained physicians can be scarce. Qader believes his technology can aid doctors by quickly pinpointing diagnoses to allow for earlier and better care. Although there are mammogram machines in Afghanistan there are not enough skilled doctors to read the results, he says. “They have the hardware — it’s only getting cheaper — but not the manpower.”
