Sangha of Auspicious Companions

Microscope with AI Spots Traffic Jams in Your Veins

Researchers in Japan have unveiled an innovative method for detecting blood clots using a cutting-edge microscope paired with artificial intelligence. Led by Dr. Kazutoshi Hirose at the University of Tokyo, the team developed an optical device that captures high-speed images of blood motion, identifying platelet aggregation which is a precursor to clots. “Just like traffic cameras capture every car on the road, our microscope captures thousands of images of blood cells in motion every second. … We then use artificial intelligence to analyze those images,” co-author Dr. Yuqi Zhou, a chemistry professor at the University of Tokyo stated in a media release. “The AI can tell whether it’s looking at a single platelet—like one car—or a clump of platelets, like a traffic jam, or even a white blood cell tagging along—like a police car caught in the jam.” This technique offers a less invasive alternative by requiring only a blood sample from the arm instead of complex procedures. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights how this technology can enhance personalized treatment for coronary artery disease by providing insights into the effectiveness of anti-platelet medications. Such advancements could significantly reduce heart attack and stroke risks by refining patient care strategies.

Be The Change

Take a step to support health today. Walk or bike instead of drive to run an errand, carve out time for a new exercise routine, make that appointment you’ve been putting off, drop off food for someone recovering from a procedure, or simply offer a listening ear to support another’s mental health.