Latest news with #TVGH
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Taiwan's BrainProbe platform uses AI to detect schizophrenia with 91% accuracy
From catching cancer to creating life, artificial intelligence (AI) is rewriting the rules of medicine, and how! It is now being used by scientists in Taiwan to diagnose schizophrenia. As per a report on Taipei Times, researchers at Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) have developed an artificial intelligence-powered platform capable of helping diagnose schizophrenia. The tools, a first-of-its-kind in the world, mark a major leap forward in the world of psychiatric care, long hampered by subjectivity and guesswork. Named BrainProbe, the tool analyzes magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to detect structural and functional changes in the brain associated with schizophrenia. With an accuracy rate of 91.7 percent, it's the world's first AI tool of its kind and a dramatic departure from traditional methods that rely heavily on clinical interviews and behavioral observation. 'The field of psychiatry has long hoped to identify objective biological markers that can help quantify the symptoms [of mental illness],' TVGH Medical AI Development Center deputy director Albert Yang was quoted as saying by Taipei Times. Schizophrenia is a complex mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and cognitive disruptions. Despite decades of research, diagnoses are still mostly based on self-reported symptoms and physician interpretation, leaving room for misdiagnosis and delayed treatment. This subjective approach often overlooks subtle biological markers, making early detection difficult and preventing timely, personalized interventions that could significantly improve patient outcomes. With that challenge in mind, Yang's team turned to artificial intelligence. Using more than a decade of brain scan data from over 1,500 individuals, including both healthy and those diagnosed with schizophrenia, the AI tool was trained to detect subtle, early-stage changes invisible to the human eye. One such case involved a 30-year-old man experiencing auditory hallucinations and paranoid delusions. 'BrainProbe was able to detect signs of degeneration in his brain function and structure, particularly in deeper regions such as the insula and temporal lobe,' Yang said. 'Abnormalities associated with schizophrenia prompted further evaluation, and the man was later confirmed to have the disease.' More than just a diagnostic tool, BrainProbe can also track how the brain changes over time. 'The most important capability of BrainProbe is its ability to track changes in the brain as it ages,' Yang said. 'It has established a brain aging prediction index and a mechanism for monitoring pathological changes.' The technology is currently being offered at TVGH through a self-pay clinical trial program while awaiting approval from Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration. Yang and his team are also working with international partners to include brain scan data from other populations to incorporate information from other populations and validate the tool across ethnic groups for its wider applicability. 'We hope this platform can be applied across different ethnic groups to enable more accurate research,' Yang added. As the platform moves toward broader clinical use, it may eventually become a foundational tool in psychiatric diagnostics that gives physicians a new lens into the human mind.
Los Angeles Times
19-04-2025
- Health
- Los Angeles Times
Advancing World-Class Healthcare Through Technology and Global Partnerships
Taiwan's hospital system is rapidly emerging as a global leader in medical innovation, integrating advanced technologies and pioneering care models. With a strong emphasis on digital transformation and international collaboration – particularly with the United States – Taiwan's leading institutions are setting new benchmarks in patient care, research, and cross-border partnerships. A defining strength of Taiwan's healthcare system is its embrace of digital innovation. Hospitals across the country are leveraging AI-assisted diagnostics, smart imaging, and integrated electronic medical records. Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH), for example, is implementing nearly 80 AI-driven projects. 'We focus on smart healthcare, precision medicine and frontier medicine, with our primary objectives being to enhance patient safety and healthcare quality,' said Dr. Wei-Ming Chen, Superintendent of TVGH. National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) is also leading in this space. 'Our team developed the world's first AI-powered CT system for early pancreatic cancer diagnosis,' said Dr. Ming-Shiang Wu, NTUH Superintendent. 'We're combining innovation with patient-centered care to improve outcomes across Taiwan and beyond.' Telemedicine and mobile platforms are expanding access to care in both urban and rural areas. Real-time dashboards, robotic assistance, and smart ICUs are also becoming standard in major hospitals, reducing staff burden while increasing service efficiency. From advanced gene therapies to regenerative medicine, Taiwan is pushing the frontiers of personalized care. Hospitals are developing cell therapies, genome analysis systems, and AI tools to guide treatment. TVGH's 'Magic Bison' platform, for instance, enables real-time whole genome analysis to support clinicians with instant diagnostics and drug recommendations. Private-sector innovators are also driving biomedical advances. 'We specialize in tissue regeneration, and our strength lies in developing structural scaffolds for cell therapy and repair,' said Ms. Changhui Chen, CEO of Han Biomedical. 'With licenses from the TFDA and upcoming approvals in Europe, we're positioning Taiwan as a serious player in global regenerative medicine.' Taiwan's medical ecosystem is increasingly attractive for international partnerships. NTUH is engaged in multicenter trials with global pharmaceutical companies. 'Taiwan's strengths in semiconductors, ICT, and healthcare data give us a competitive edge in AI and advanced medicine,' Dr. Wu said. Maria Von Biotechnology is taking a translational approach to international growth. 'Our goal is to bridge research and real-world application – what we call 'bench to bed,'' explained Dr. William Hung, CEO. 'We're launching clinics and talent partnerships to close the gap between R&D and practical treatment.' Chairwoman Dr. Mei-Yue Huang added, 'Taiwan's recent regulatory reforms in regenerative medicine and exosomes give us a clear path to commercialization, especially in personalized care.' As healthcare systems worldwide grapple with rising demands, Taiwan offers a scalable model rooted in innovation, digital infrastructure, and public-private cooperation. Hospitals are investing in green healthcare, talent development, and interdisciplinary collaboration to stay ahead of emerging global challenges. 'We believe the commercial future of Taiwan's biotech sector depends on connecting our creativity with stronger talent pipelines and better global marketing,' said Ms. Chen. 'The innovation is already here – we just need to bring it to the world.' By fusing advanced science with a culture of patient-centered care, Taiwan's healthcare leaders are not just adapting to the future – they are helping define it.
