‘Superhuman’ AI that predicts disease and early death risk to be trialled in NHS
A “superhuman” artificial intelligence model designed to predict a patient’s risk of disease and early death is set to be trialled in NHS hospitals next year.It is hoped the technology – which uses the readings of a common and cheap heart test to alert doctors to patients who may benefit from further tests or treatment – will be used across the health service within five years.The AI program, known as AI-ECG risk estimation, or Aire, was developed to read the results of electrocardiogram (ECG) tests, which record the electrical activity of the heart and are given to patients suspected...
Millions of people in the U.S. rely on contaminated groundwater
A recent study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reveals that between 71 and 95 million people in the United States - more than 20% of the country's population - may be relying on groundwater containing detectable levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) for their drinking water. PFAS are synthetic chemicals commonly used in various products, including non-stick cookware, fast-food packaging, and firefighting foams. Often referred to as “forever chemicals,” PFAS are resistant to breaking down in the environment and can accumulate over time, raising concerns about drinking water quality. Estimates of contaminated groundwater This research provides the first national estimates of PFAS...