The Netflix Algorithm Could Be Used To Fight Cancer

Researchers have found a way to predict how cancer might behave based on the same science behind the Netflix algorithm.

Netflix uses the algorithm to track a user’s viewing history and runs that history through artificial intelligence that works to find patterns on how often certain shows are watched and which shows are given thumbs up or down.

The AI then uses the data to create personalized recommendations based on what the user is likely to enjoy and watch more of.

Based on that same technology, researchers are hoping to predict how cancer might behave, mutate, and adapt!

The results of the research were published in the scientific journal Nature, and examined how medical AI could look through genetic data within cells for “faults” in the tumors. The “faults” would be the exact spot where the cancer starts and stops.

The medical AI, modeled after the Netflix algorithm, was tested on nearly 10,000 patients and over 33 types of cancer.

According to the Daily Mail, the study’s co-author, Ludmil Alexandrov, said:

“Just as Netflix can predict which shows you’ll choose to binge watch next, we believe that we will be able to predict how your cancer is likely to behave, based on the changes its genome has previously experienced.”

According to The Independent, Co-author Nischalan Pillay added:

“To stay one step ahead of cancer, we need to anticipate how it adapts and changes. Mutations are the key drivers of cancer, but a lot of our understanding is focused on changes to individual genes in cancer.”

The technology used in the research has been made available for free so other researchers can add to the data and widen the “fault” list. The more data that scientists can collect, the closer they’ll be to creating a personalized “cancer blueprint” that could aid treatment and further research!

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