Laboratory news Roundup – Week 24 of 2023

1. Researchers test AI-powered chatbot’s medical diagnostic ability

Scientists tested a ChatGPT see if it could help diagnose medical complex diseases. The chatbot did a good job and gave the right diagnosis about 40% of the time and listed the right diagnosis as a possibility in two-thirds of challenging cases.

ChatGPT  uses a type of artificial intelligence called generative AI, which allows it to understand and create human-like language. While the chatbot can’t replace real doctors, it could be a helpful tool for them. More research is needed to see how this technology can be used in healthcare.

More on this new brave world > JAMA via Eureka Alerts

 

2. New Hope for male infertility

Researchers have developed a new diagnostic test to find functional sperm in infertile men, potentially revolutionizing male infertility treatment. Male infertility affects about 10% of men in the United States, and the most common cause is a condition called nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA), which leads to the absence of sperm in ejaculate. Current methods of extracting sperm from men with NOA are invasive and time-consuming, with varying rates of success. The new noninvasive diagnostic test can identify intact sperm in semen, enabling doctors to decide whether to proceed with surgery. The researchers identified two proteins, AKAP4 and ASPX, found in intact sperm from men with NOA, and further investigation will be conducted to understand their roles in sperm function. Additionally, this research may eventually contribute to the development of male birth control drugs.

 

Get the details here  via Science Daily Article

Lab on a Chip: Here we go (again)

Illustration of humanoid robot
Image Courtesy: https://citylife.capetown/

Lab-on-a-chip technology is changing the way we do medical testing. It involves miniaturizing laboratory processes onto a single chip, making testing faster, cheaper, and more accessible. These devices can be used at the bedside or in remote locations, providing quick results that can help doctors make better decisions. Lab-on-a-chip devices are especially useful for diagnosing infectious diseases, like COVID-19, and for personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to each patient. However, there are challenges that need to be overcome, such as making the devices durable and integrating them into existing healthcare systems. Overall, lab-on-a-chip technology has the potential to greatly improve medical testing and patient care.

Source : Citylife.capetown

4. Restoring Ethic to the heart of Diagnostic Medicine

Chris McNair, the co-founder and co-CEO of Magnus Diagnostics, a laboratory in Bethesda, Maryland, emphasizes the importance of ethics and accountability in the medical diagnostics testing industry. He acknowledges the decline in public trust due to issues like fraud and scandals, but believes that prioritizing trust over profit is crucial. Magnus Diagnostics focuses on building trust by being accountable and honest, and they have implemented processes that comply with regulatory bodies. They offer a range of testing services using the latest technologies and prioritize the accuracy and security of test results and medical records. McNair believes that patients should trust Magnus Diagnostics because they have dedicated themselves to restoring the reputation of the industry and have personally invested their time and resources into the company.This passage highlights the values and mission of Magnus Diagnostics, a comprehensive testing lab. They focus on building trust and countering biases by producing consistent and reliable results. Their top priority is ensuring that patients receive timely and accurate testing from a trustworthy company. They emphasize their commitment to meeting all state and federal standards and have a track record of passing inspections. Magnus Diagnostics distinguishes itself by offering multi-disciplinary ethical diagnostic algorithms and a zero-trust framework for a great patient experience. They prioritize ethics and have never overbilled a patient. They keep up with the latest technology and offer tests with high confidence levels. They are patient-driven and prioritize social impact over profits. The founder believes in restoring integrity to the medical testing industry because it affects everyone’s health. They want to provide peace of mind to patients and have seen their client base grow through word of mouth. They aim to repair the reputation of the healthcare system and leave a positive legacy.

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