AI in medicine – the greatest revolution of the 21st century?

Maciej Zieliński

23 Jan 2021
AI in medicine – the greatest revolution of the 21st century?

Will artificial intelligence change the face of modern medicine? All signs point to yes, and sooner than we might expect. 

A key feature of tools based on artificial intelligence technology is the ability to recognise relevant relationships in raw data. It turns out that this ability can be used in virtually all areas of medicine. Already, AI technology is enabling medical staff to tackle problems that are time-consuming and inefficient to solve on their own. On the Nextrope blog, we present what we believe are the 3 most interesting applications of AI in medicine.

 

Sorting out information chaos 

Dozens of clinical trials are published daily. Many experts and doctors agree that in such a plethora of data, it becomes increasingly difficult to select those relevant to the case of a particular patient. As in many other fields, also in medicine the demand for tools that will assist humans in combing through information seems to be higher than ever. This is where artificial intelligence comes to the rescue.

AI technologies allow doctors to find information in unstructured medical literature in a faster and more efficient way. This makes it easier for them to keep up with scientific developments, update procedures and make more accurate decisions about patient treatment. An example of such Technology is IBM Watson, used by doctors and researchers to extract valuable insights from millions of health reports, patient data records, clinical trials and medical journals.

Medical imaging 

Even tests carried out using the best quality equipment are always subject to the risk of observer error if the data acquired is analysed solely by a human. Such an error can be extremely costly for both patient and doctor. The use of AI algorithms can provide a much smaller margin of error than standard solutions. Machines are simply much more accurate than humans, faster and do not make mistakes resulting from, for example, fatigue. 

Recent studies, such as tests of an algorithm created by Google to detect early stages of breast cancer, show that artificial intelligence solutions are able to achieve results more than 50% better than traditional methods. Over the past few years, several solutions using AI in diagnostic imaging have hit the market. These include CT analysis tools from NVIDIAand Siemens, and Aidoc'sX-ray analysis software, which is already used in more than 100 hospitals worldwide.

Cancer diagnostics

In an effort to enable early diagnosis of various types of cancer, a Romanian start-up has developed the highly accurate AI-MICADIStool. Instead of the circulating DNA molecules or tumour cells commonly used for this purpose, it focuses on examining circulating microRNA molecules. It uses AI algorithms to analyse polymerase chain reaction (PCR), microarray and next-generation sequencing (NGS) data, which are important factors in detecting the earliest stages of cancer development. "By selecting relevant molecular alterations and using artificial intelligence, we have created the best available non-invasive method for diagnosis and early detection of many types of cancer" - explains Alexandru Floares, AI-MICADIS project coordinator. 

The tool is now able to not only detect 13 types of cancer, but also distinguish between malignant and benign forms. "Ultimately, we achieved a 99% accuracy rate and equipped the tool with the ability to distinguish between malignant and benign forms of the disease, "says Floares, "Furthermore, we have demonstrated that using data analytics and artificial intelligence to combine different tests outperforms a single large-scale test in terms of cost, efficiency and results."

AI in medicine - opportunities for development?

The use of AI in medicine has become a reality, not just an optimistic forecast for the future. Unfortunately, it will still be years before artificial intelligence is widely used in every hospital in the world.

 However, everything indicates that in the near future we can expect big increases in the market for AI solutions in medicine. According to the Yole report, its cumulative annual growth rate for 2020-2025 will be as high as 36%, making it one of the fastest growing markets in the IT sector. According to the company's analysts, its total value is expected to exceed $2.7 billion in 2025. Maybe a visit to a robot doctor isn't such a distant prospect after all?

Want to know more about using the latest IT technologies in medicine? Check out our article on howBlockchain is supporting the development of healthcare. And if you are interested in prospective areas of implementation of artificial intelligence algorithms, readour article on AI in education.

Tagi

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What is Account Abstraction?

Karolina

10 Nov 2023
What is Account Abstraction?

Account abstraction is a new way of thinking about how users interact with blockchains. Instead of using traditional externally owned accounts (EOAs), account abstraction allows users to create and manage their accounts using smart contracts. This has a number of potential benefits, including improved security, enhanced privacy, and increased flexibility.

What is account abstraction?

Account abstraction is a concept that, at its core, aims to simplify the user's interaction with blockchain networks. It is a transformative approach that seeks to mask the technicalities of blockchain operations from end-users. It is making transactions as straightforward as sending an email. Account Abstr. allows users to interact with the blockchain without worrying about the underlying technical details.

How does account abstraction differ from the traditional model?

In the traditional account model, each user has an EOA. EOAs are controlled by private keys, which must be kept secret in order to protect the user's funds. Acc. abstraction allows users to create and manage their accounts using smart contracts.

Historical Context

The journey towards acc. abstraction began with the first generation of blockchain technologies, characterized by their "one-size-fits-all" approach to account management. Bitcoin, for instance, introduced the concept of accounts and transactions in a form that was accessible to tech-savvy individuals but remained perplexing to the layperson. Ethereum expanded on this by introducing smart contracts, which opened the door to programmable transactions but did not alter the fundamental account structure. The idea of acc. abstraction has been discussed in the Ethereum community for several years as a part of various Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), particularly as a feature to be potentially implemented in Ethereum 2.0. It is a direct response to the need for a more versatile and user-centric design that can cater to a broader audience and spur the widespread adoption of blockchain technology.

The Technicalities of Account Abstraction

Account abstraction is not merely a theoretical construct but a technical innovation with specific mechanisms underpinning its operation. In essence, it alters the way transactions are initiated and executed within a blockchain network.

How Account Abstraction Works

Under traditional blockchain models, initiating a transaction involves an externally owned account (EOA) signing a transaction with a private key. This transaction is then broadcast to the network for validation and inclusion in the blockchain. Account abstraction, however, replaces this process with a more flexible one. Here, every account is a smart contract, and transactions are messages sent through these contracts. These smart contracts can encode complex rules for transaction validation, beyond what EOAs can do, such as multi-signature requirements or conditional transactions based on certain triggers.

The technical crux of account abstraction lies in the smart contract’s ability to define its own conditions for transaction execution. This means that user accounts can have unique security protocols or automated operations without the user needing to understand the underlying smart contract code.

Hey! Are you interested in the latest technologies in the blockchain area? be sure to read the article 'Top Zero-Knowledge Proof Projects to watch in 2023'

The Benefits of Account Abstraction

The implications of account abstraction are profound, offering a range of benefits that can enhance the blockchain experience for users and developers alike.

Improved User Experience

One of the most significant advantages of account abstraction is the improvement it brings to user experience. By abstracting away the complexities of key management and transaction rules, it presents a more intuitive interface for users.

Enhanced Security Features

Account abstraction also allows for the implementation of advanced security measures. Since each account can define its own logic, users can tailor their security settings to their specific needs. For instance, one might set up an account that requires additional verification for transactions exceeding a certain value or restricts withdrawals to certain addresses.

Future Implications

The future implications of account abstraction are vast. As the technology matures, it could become a standard feature of blockchain networks, potentially making the current distinction between user accounts and smart contracts obsolete. This could lead to a new wave of blockchain applications that are both powerful and accessible, bringing us closer to the vision of blockchain technology as a seamless part of everyday life.

Challenges and Considerations

Technical Limitations

One of the primary technical challenges of Acc. abstraction lies in its integration with existing blockchain protocols. Current networks are optimized for the EOA model, and introducing a new account structure necessitates significant changes to the core protocol. This includes modifications to the way transactions are propagated in the network, how gas fees are calculated, and how the state of the blockchain is managed. Ensuring that these changes do not compromise the network's performance or security requires careful planning and extensive testing.

Compatibility with Current Systems

Another consideration is the compatibility of account abstr. with the vast ecosystem of existing blockchain applications and services. Wallets, exchanges, and other services have been built around the traditional account model. Transitioning to an acc. abstraction model will require these services to update their infrastructure, which may be a complex and resource-intensive process. Furthermore, there is a need for standardization across the industry to ensure that different implementations of account abstr. can work seamlessly together.

Conclusion

Acc. abstraction represents a significant leap forward in the quest for a more user-friendly blockchain experience. By streamlining the transaction process and offering enhanced security features, acc abstraction has the potential to make blockchain technology more accessible to a broader audience. However, the path to widespread adoption is not without its obstacles. Technical challenges and compatibility issues must be carefully navigated to integrate it into the existing blockchain landscape.

Key Takeaways

How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask: A Simple Tutorial

Karolina

03 Nov 2023
How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask: A Simple Tutorial

As the cryptocurrency ecosystem expands, there is an increasing need for various blockchains with distinct capabilities. Gnosis Chain enters the scene, offering a selection of unique characteristics. By integrating Gnosis Chain with MetaMask, users can access a more comprehensive array of decentralized services. We will walk you through the steps to add Gnosis Chain to your MetaMask wallet in this tutorial.

Prerequisites

Setting up MetaMask

Before exploring the integration of Gnosis Chain, it is crucial to have MetaMask installed and operational:

  • Download and Install: If you have not done so already, visit the official website to download and install the MetaMask browser extension.
  • Setup Account: After completing the installation, create your account and make sure to remember the provided seed phrase. This phrase serves as your primary means for account recovery, so keep it secure.
  • Secure Your Account: Protecting your MetaMask account is of utmost importance. Use a robust password and never disclose your seed phrase to anyone.

Gnosis Chain

It is always helpful to have a basic understanding before incorporating any new blockchain into your wallet:

  • Gnosis Chain Overview: Gnosis Chain, a rising star in the blockchain world, brings a range of decentralized solutions to the table, such as prediction markets and decentralized trading platforms.
  • Benefits & Features: Among Gnosis Chain's main selling points are its accelerated transaction speeds and potentially lower fees when compared to congested networks.

Tutorial: How to Add Gnosis Chain to MetaMask

In the top right-hand corner of your browser, you'll find the wallet. If pinned, click on the MetaMask fox icon; if not, click the three dots in the top-right corner. The following screen will appear:

An option to expand the wallet to a new browser page is available by clicking "Expand view:"

This action will launch MetaMask in a new tab:

By clicking on the ‘Ethereum mainnet’ in the top left corner, you can add another network. Click ‘Add Network’

Choose option ‘Add a network manually’

Then, input the information below:

Network Name: Gnosis Chain formerly xDai

RPC URL: https://rpc.gnosischain.com

ChainID: 100

Symbol: XDAI

Block Explorer URL: https://gnosisscan.io

After saving the settings, Gnosis Chain will be added to your network.

The Benefits of Adding Gnosis Chain to MetaMask

With multiple blockchains becoming more common, integrating Gnosis Chain with MetaMask offers numerous advantages:

Expanded Capabilities: Accessing Gnosis Chain through MetaMask opens up a collection of exclusive applications and features inherent to this particular blockchain, which may include unique dapps or cutting-edge financial products.

Diversification: The crypto domain is extensive and constantly growing. By incorporating various chains like Gnosis into MetaMask, you broaden your potential investment opportunities and decentralized application experiences, ensuring no opportunities are missed.

Speed & Cost-Effectiveness: Network congestion and high gas fees on established platforms like Ethereum can discourage many users. Gnosis Chain's architecture has the potential to provide relief through quicker transaction times and more affordable fees.

In summary, as the possibilities within the crypto sphere continue to evolve, tools like MetaMask grant users access to this expanding world. By adding chains like Gnosis, users can stay ahead in this decentralized revolution.

Conclusion

By bridging platforms like Gnosis Chain with accessible tools like MetaMask, individuals not only amplify their engagement with decentralized applications but also fortify their position in this expansive realm. The integration of Gnosis Chain to MetaMask epitomizes the evolution of the crypto landscape – a testament to its ever-growing diversity and potential. As we continue to delve deeper into the decentralized future, tools and integrations like these will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping our digital experiences and opportunities. Whether you're seeking more efficient transactions, diverse dapp interactions, or simply a broader understanding of the crypto ecosystem, this guide's steps open doors to a new horizon. 

Tagi