DELTA DIALOG

Alzheimer's and AI - with Sara Moein and Emir Mustafa Isler

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Overview: In this episode of the Delta Dialog, we disuss the intersection of AI, machine learning, and healthcare. Sara, a researcher in the field, shares insights into how these technologies are applied to genetic and healthcare data to improve our understanding of diseases such as Alzheimer's and various types of cancer.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. Introduction to Single Cell RNA Sequencing:

  • Single cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for understanding disease mechanisms at the cellular level.
    • It helps identify different cell types and subtypes within brain tissue, revealing the diversity of cells affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
      • The technology is crucial for early detection of Alzheimer’s and other complex diseases by analyzing gene expression in individual cells.

        • 2. Contributions of Single Cell RNA Sequencing to Alzheimer’s Research:

        • Helps detect disease mechanisms through pathway analysis and identifying dysregulated pathways specific to Alzheimer’s.
          • Provides insights into cell-specific gene expression profiles, aiding in the understanding of disease pathology.
            • Detects unique molecular signatures and cellular interactions, which are essential for understanding the progression of Alzheimer’s and other diseases.

              • 3. Early Diagnosis and Preclinical Studies:

              • Single cell RNA sequencing can detect biomarkers with high accuracy, potentially identifying Alzheimer’s years before clinical symptoms appear.
                • This early detection allows for the identification of therapeutic targets and the testing of drug responses at the cellular level.

                  • 4. Ethical Considerations in AI and Healthcare:

                  • Ensuring data privacy and security is a top priority.
                    • The importance of unbiased and fair data sampling to avoid skewed results.
                      • Addressing the broader social and economic impacts of AI research, such as job displacement and healthcare access disparities.

                        • 5. Handling Large Genetic and Healthcare Datasets:

                        • The role of GPUs and cloud storage solutions in processing and storing vast amounts of data.
                          • The evolution of deep neural networks and their application in AI research due to advancements in hardware technology.

                            • 6. Public Understanding of AI and Healthcare:

                            • Simplifying complex concepts for a non-technical audience by highlighting the practical benefits of AI in healthcare.
                              • Examples include AI in medical imaging, early diagnosis, and drug development.

                                • 7. Advice for Aspiring Researchers:

                                • Importance of building a strong foundation in both biology and computation.
                                  • Developing technical skills in programming, data handling, and designing new algorithms.
                                    • Continuously learning and staying updated with the latest advancements in machine learning and healthcare.

                                      • 8. Recommended Resources and Channels:

                                      • Following influential researchers and attending conferences.
                                        • Utilizing platforms like Medium and LinkedIn for networking and staying informed.
                                          • Reference books on statistical learning and machine learning as essential resources.

                                            • Conclusion:

                                            Sara Moein shares valuable insights into how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing healthcare, particularly in the study of complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and cancer. The conversation underscores the importance of ethical considerations, continuous learning, and the need for public understanding of these advanced technologies.

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                                            DELTA DIALOGBy Emir Mustafa Isler