Scientists have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-based computer system to predict the risk of early death due to chronic diseases in a middle-aged population. According to a study published in the journal PLOS ONE.The system of computer-based ‘machine learning’ algorithms was very accurate in its predictions and performed better than the current standard approach to prediction developed by human experts.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham analyzed the health data from over half a million people aged between 40 and 69 recruited to the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 up till 2016. Most applications focus on a single disease area but predicting death due to several different disease outcomes. They have taken a major step forward in this field by developing a unique and holistic approach to predicting a person’s risk of premature death by machine-learning.
The AI machine learning models used in the new study are known as ‘random forest’ and ‘deep learning’. There is currently intense interest in the potential to use ‘AI’ or ‘machine learning’ to better predict health outcomes. In some situations, we may find it helps, in others it may not.
