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Detecting cancer at the DNA level with AI
New research shows that cancer could be detected in the very building blocks of life – our DNA, possibly leading to a diagnosis when the disease is in its infancy. Dr. Shamith Samara-jiwa from Imperial College London is on the show to discuss how AI can be used to detect tiny changes to our DNA called methylation patterns. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of cancer, making it essential to analyse disruptions in our DNA for accurate diagnosis. However, identifying specific genes affected by cancer is not a straightforward process. The impact of cancer on our DNA may appear random initially, but by studying numerous human genomes and disease cases, researchers can start to identify patterns. This requires analysing billions of individual data points to determine any significant findings. 

Could AI help tackle the loneliness epidemic
Being lonely doesn't necessarily mean you are truly alone. We are currently facing what some refer to as a 'loneliness pandemic'. According to a new book, artificial intelligence is becoming more adept at providing social support and helping people overcome the feelings of low self-esteem and social isolation that often accompany loneliness. “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” has just been published and author Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield in England joins us on the podcast.  

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. 

More on this week's stories:
Early detection and diagnosis of cancer with interpretable machine learning to uncover cancer-specific DNA methylation patterns
The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence

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Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

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