US Department of Defense & Google Collaborates to Make Smart Microscope to Detect Cancer

In a case involving prostate cancer, the ARM has accurately identified the precise tumour location. It can further provide a second opinion and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has collaborated with Google to develop a smart microscope called Augmented Reality Microscope (ARM) that utilises AI to aid doctors in identifying different types of cancer.

This collaboration seeks to provide support to doctors in smaller labs who are grappling with staffing shortages and a growing caseload.

Reportedly, the AI-powered ARM recently underwent successful testing under the supervision of pathologist Dr. Nadeem Zafar at a VA hospital in Seattle. 

Moreover, in a case involving prostate cancer, the ARM has accurately identified the precise tumour location, as confirmed by Dr. Zafar. He also noted that the ARM can provide a second opinion and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

While the technology is still in its early stages, it has displayed promise in initial research. Currently, there are 13 ARMs in existence, including one situated at a Mitre facility near Washington, DC. Researchers at Mitre are examining the challenges and vulnerabilities faced by pathologists in clinical settings.

Digging more into the details, the smart microscope closely resembles a conventional microscope, featuring a large eyepiece and a platform for examining glass slides. It is connected to a computer tower that houses AI models. Additionally, displays a bright green outline of the cancerous area on both the pathologist's eyepiece and a separate monitor.

In addition, the ARM generates a black-and-white heat map that indicates the severity of the cancer. The AI's overlay on the microscope's field of view is designed in a way that easily integrates into the workflow of pathologists.

However, the vision behind the creation of the cutting-edge technology is not to replace digital pathology systems but to assist small healthcare facilities providing a cost-effective alternative.

Google has been hitting the headlines with its AI collaborations. Recently, the Google Cloud and the Apollo Hospitals expanded their partnership to make healthcare accessible to every Indian. The deep AI capabilities of Google combined with 40 years of experience at Apollo Hospitals in healthcare offers potential diagnosis to the patients.

In another event, Google Cloud collaborated with Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA) to assist HCA in developing its IT and data/analytics infrastructure to enhance its healthcare delivery methods.