AI Spots Hidden Signs of Disease Before Symptoms Appear
Researchers at McGill University have developed a powerful artificial intelligence tool that could transform how diseases are detected. The system, called DOLPHIN, can uncover hidden disease markers inside individual cells, offering doctors a clearer view of early illness signs.
The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights how this technology could help physicians diagnose diseases sooner and match patients with the most effective therapies. Senior author Jun Ding explained that DOLPHIN can reduce the trial-and-error process often seen in treatments.
Zooming in on the Cell’s Secrets
According to the research team, disease markers often appear as tiny changes in RNA expression. These subtle shifts can reveal whether an illness is present, how severe it may become, and how it might respond to specific treatments.
Traditional analysis tools usually combine signals from genes, hiding critical variations. However, DOLPHIN uses advanced AI to examine how genes are built from smaller pieces called exons. This deeper look reveals details that older tools often miss.
Lead researcher Kailu Song compared genes to Lego sets. By analyzing how these small pieces connect, DOLPHIN exposes crucial disease markers long overlooked. In one study, it identified more than 800 new markers in pancreatic cancer cells. It even distinguished aggressive cancers from milder ones, guiding better treatment choices.
A Step Toward Virtual Cells
Beyond diagnosis, this breakthrough could lead to the creation of virtual cells. These digital models simulate how cells react to drugs, helping researchers test therapies faster and more safely. The next goal is to expand DOLPHIN to study millions of cells, paving the way for more accurate virtual models and a new era of personalized medicine.
