A
Supercomputers which can analyse blood samples and predict which patients are likely to become seriously ill could save tens of thousands of lives a year, it was revealed last night, according to The Daily Express.
The artificial intelligence (AI) system, developed at University College London and set to be piloted in NHS hospitals later this year, will screen “at risk” patients so doctors can take early action to prevent death or serious illness. Prof Young, a consultant surgeon at Southend University Hospital, said: “I am so excited about this form of technology. ”Instead of people getting sick or dying because they are not picked up in time, this will allow us to step in earlier which will save lives and an enormous amount of money. “I think the potential of AI in healthcare like this is as big as the Industrial Revolution was — and signals a completely new example in the way we manage healthcare. ”
The technology is the brainchild of Dr Vishal Nangalia, a consultant at the Royal Free Hospital in London. He used AI to analyse a billion stored blood samples from 20 different UK hospital trusts dating back up to 12 years. Computers assess blood test results by picking up subtle changes in red and white blood cells, suggesting a patient is going downhill.
He found the technique forecast outcomes of patients with kidney problems with up to 95 percent accuracy. Traditional methods highlighting serious patient concerns picked up as few as 16 percent of patients who went on to die. “This gives us the opportunity not only to save lives but to prevent serious illness, making the health service not only safer but more efficient. ” Prof Young said, “Instead of waiting for people to get worse, we will be able to treat them earlier. ”
【文章大意】本文是一篇科普类短文。文章主要介绍了超级计算机能够分析血样并预测哪些病人可能会患上重病, 每年可以挽救数万人的生命。
1. What does the underlined word “screen” in Paragraph 2 mean?
A. comfort. B. treat. C. spot. D. nurse.
【解析】选C。词义猜测题。根据文章第二段“so doctors can take early action to prevent death or serious illness. 以便医生能够及早采取行动, 预防死亡或严重疾病”, 可以猜测出, 人工智能将用于对高危病人进行“筛查”。此处screen意为“筛查”。故选C。
2. How do supercomputers help save lives?
A. By storing blood samples.
B. By analyzing patients’ cases.
C. By observing changes in blood cells.
D. By assisting doctors with their operations.
【解析】选C。细节理解题。根据文章第三段“Computers assess blood test results by picking up subtle changes in red and white blood cells, suggesting a patient is going downhill. ”可知, 计算机通过检测红细胞和白细胞的细微变化来评估血液检测结果。故选C。
3. Why did Professor Young mention the Industrial Revolution?
A. To show the influence of AI.
B. To stress the importance of healthcare.
C. To introduce the topic of supercomputers.
D. To present the achievement he has accomplished.
【解析】选A。推理判断题。根据文章第二段“I think the potential of AI in healthcare like this is as big as the Industrial Revolution was — and signals a completely new example in the way we manage healthcare. ” 可知, 杨教授认为, 人工智能在医疗保健领域的潜力与工业革命一样大, 以此类比, 说明人工智能在医疗领域的影响力。故选A。
4. What do we know about the new technology?
A. It helps patients recover earlier.
B. It has helped save thousands of lives.
C. It will promote the health service greatly.
D. It is intended for patients with kidney diseases.
【解析】选C。推理判断题。根据文章最后一段“Instead of waiting for people to get worse, we will be able to treat them earlier. ” 可知, 这项技术将能够更早地治疗患者, 而不是坐等病情恶化, 从而推断, 人工智能这一科技帮助医生对疾病诊疗早预判, 早介入, 从而帮助挽救大量生命, 将大大促进医疗卫生服务。故选C。
