Artificial Intelligence (AI) was discussed in chapter 7. It can be defined as a branch of Science which deals with helping machines find solutions to complex problems in a more human-like fashion (1). With 50 years of research into Artificial Intelligence, we have seen advances such as: systems which can mimic human thought, systems that can understand speech, and even systems that can beat the best human chess player (2). This innovative technology is actually getting so intricate that the military is even applying AI logic to its high-tech systems (1).
The goal for Artificial Intelligence developers is to make computers, which are able to perform mechanical computations (2), act more intuitive. Computers are almost one dimensional, even though they are complex systems; they are able to compute basic functions but have trouble adapting to new changes. Developers wish to improve machine behavior in tackling such complex tasks (2). Making machines think just as a human can prove quite beneficial. AI research has actually helped researchers understand Human Intelligent Behavior. It gives researches a chance to dissect our approach to problem solving and our level of deliberative reasoning and pattern recognition (2). This information is obtained by creating this human process.
We have seen similar systems in use today; especially in the medical field. To be more specific, it is being used on Cancer patients. For example, when doctors are managing care for women with breast cancer, the information available to them profoundly influences the type of care they recommend (3). Before they can even recommend a treatment, they must know whether the Cancer has metastasized (spread) or not. This will determine the outcome of the patient’s treatment. When Cancer metastasizes from the original site, it begins to form new tumors in different organs throughout the body.
Time is of essence when dealing with Cancer; Radiologists tests aren’t always straightforward when determining if Cancer has spread.
A team of researchers at the University of Chicago are in the process of developing a new system. This computer program actually uses artificial intelligence to analyze the features of ultrasound images in order to help doctors predict earlier whether a woman's cancer has metastasized (3). There currently are no automated systems (3) approved by the FDA in diagnosing any kind of Cancer. The team is now reporting the results of a preliminary pilot study that retrospectively reanalyzed the diagnostic ultrasounds of 50 women with suspected breast cancer who all had lymph nodes that appeared normal in the ultrasound -- suggesting that their cancers had not metastasized (3). After surgery, it was noted that 20 of the patients Cancer had spread. The researches have claimed that their system accurately identified the 20 metastatic cases.
At first I didn’t understand why it was necessary for the development of Artificial Intelligence. These systems will be capable of giving simplified, reliable and efficient results without the risk of human error. With that being said, I can now see the use of this technology within a wide spectrum of fields. As time goes on, I believe we will be affected by Artificial Intelligence in daily life. These systems will revolutionize the world.
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