Oxford Researchers Develop AI That can Identify the Likelihood of Suffering a Heart Attack up to 10 Years in the Future

Oxford Researchers Develop AI That Can Identify the Likelihood of Suffering a Heart Attack up to 10 Years in the Future

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) system that can identify individuals at high risk of suffering a heart attack up to 10 years in the future. The technology analyzes data from routine CT scans to detect hidden signs of inflammation and plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which are often missed by traditional scan analysis.


The AI system was trained on data from 40,000 patients at UK hospitals and has shown promising results in clinical trials. It has the potential to save thousands of lives annually by enabling early intervention with preventative treatments like statins and anti-inflammatory drugs for those identified as high-risk.


The research team, led by Professor Charalambos Antoniades, found that in 45% of cases, clinicians changed a patient's treatment plan after receiving the AI-enhanced risk assessment. The technology is currently being evaluated by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for potential nationwide rollout in the UK's National Health Service (NHS).


Beyond heart disease, the researchers are also working on applying similar AI techniques to predict stroke risk and identify individuals at risk for conditions like diabetes.


If approved, this innovative AI system could revolutionise preventative care for cardiovascular diseases, which are a leading cause of death worldwide. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to uncover hidden risk factors, healthcare providers could intervene earlier and potentially save countless lives.

European Commission Unveils AI Innovation Package to Boost Startups and SMEs

The European Commission has taken a step forward in fostering innovation within the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. A comprehensive package aimed at supporting AI startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been launched, signaling the EU's commitment to becoming a global leader in ethical and sustainable AI development.

This initiative is designed to provide the essential tools and resources needed by emerging AI ventures to navigate the complex landscape of technology innovation. By offering access to funding, research resources, and regulatory guidance, the Commission aims to create a fertile environment for AI-related ideas to flourish and compete on a global stage.

Central to this initiative is the establishment of a collaborative network that connects AI startups and SMEs with established research institutions and innovation hubs. This network is expected to foster knowledge exchange, enhance technical capabilities, and stimulate collaborative projects that could lead to breakthroughs in AI technology.

Moreover, the package includes specific measures to ensure that AI development aligns with European values of ethical standards and human-centric design. By prioritizing these principles, the EU seeks to differentiate its AI sector as one that not only excels in innovation but also in responsible and sustainable practices.

The Commission's announcement has been met with enthusiasm from the technology community, with many viewing it as a crucial step towards leveling the playing field for smaller entities competing with tech giants. This move is also seen as a strategic effort to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and address societal challenges through the application of AI.

The AI innovation package is more than just a funding initiative; it is a comprehensive strategy aimed at nurturing an ecosystem where ethical AI can thrive, ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of technological advancement while safeguarding its social and ethical standards.

As the EU charts this ambitious path, the global AI community watches closely, anticipating the emergence of novel AI solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also ethically grounded and socially responsible.

Sources: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_383

UK Supreme Court Rules AI Systems Cannot Be Recognized as Patent Inventors

In a landmark decision that sets a significant precedent for the future of intellectual property rights in the era of artificial intelligence, the UK's highest court has concluded that AI systems cannot legally be credited as inventors on patent applications. This ruling reaffirms the notion that patents, a cornerstone of innovation protection, are fundamentally human endeavours.

The case emerged from a series of legal challenges brought forth by Dr. Stephen Thaler, who sought to have his AI system, named DABUS, recognized as the inventor of two specific creations. Dr. Thaler argued that DABUS, an advanced AI designed to simulate human-like creativity, was solely responsible for these inventions without direct human intervention.

However, the UK Supreme Court, upholding earlier decisions by lower courts, ruled unanimously against this claim. The justices emphasized that current patent law explicitly requires an inventor to be a natural person. This decision underscores a broader legal and philosophical debate about the role of AI in creative and inventive processes and its implications for intellectual property rights.

The court's ruling highlights the legal system's effort to adapt to the rapid advancements in AI technology, sparking a conversation about potential legislative reforms. Legal experts and technologists alike are now calling for a reevaluation of traditional concepts of authorship and invention in light of AI's growing capabilities.

This ruling not only impacts the UK's approach to AI and patents but also signals to the global community the urgent need for legal frameworks that can accommodate the evolving landscape of innovation driven by artificial intelligence. As AI continues to push the boundaries of what machines can create, the legal definition of "inventor" may need reimagining to reflect these technological advancements.

The decision has far-reaching implications for inventors, companies, and policymakers worldwide, prompting a reexamination of how intellectual property laws can foster innovation while ensuring fair recognition and protection for human and AI-generated inventions.