Scientists in Japan have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of medical technology. They have developed an artificial intelligence (AI) deep-learning model that can accurately determine a person’s age by studying X-rays of their chest. This breakthrough could have significant implications for detecting signs of disease or accelerated aging and intervening at an early stage.
The study was conducted by scientists at Osaka Metropolitan University and the findings were published in the medical journal, The Lancet Healthy Longevity. The team, led by a graduate student and doctor from the Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, constructed the AI model to estimate the age of healthy individuals using chest radiographs. They then applied the model to radiographs of patients who were already diagnosed with certain diseases.
To train the AI model, the researchers analyzed over 67,000 chest radiographs obtained between 2008 and 2021 from more than 36,000 healthy individuals. They also compiled an additional 34,197 chest radiographs from patients with known diseases. The outcome showed a positive correlation between the patient’s chronological age and various chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and chronic renal failure.
The lead researcher, Yasuhito Mitsuyama, believes that this AI model has the potential to accurately reflect a person’s health conditions beyond their chronological age. He stated, “We aim to further develop this research and apply it to estimate the severity of chronic diseases, predict life expectancy, and forecast possible surgical complications.”
The ability to determine a person’s age through chest radiography could prove invaluable in medical settings. Medical professionals can potentially use this AI model to identify individuals who may be at a higher risk of developing certain chronic diseases and intervene before significant health issues arise.
This breakthrough also opens up possibilities for further research and development in the field of AI and healthcare. AI technology has the potential to revolutionize medical diagnosis and treatment, providing faster and more accurate assessments for various conditions.
As scientists continue to make advancements in AI and deep-learning models, the future of healthcare looks promising. It is essential to invest in further research and development to harness the full potential of this technology and its applications in improving patient care.