Listening

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Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. power
    • ex. The new car is powered by electricity.
  2. screen
    • ex. Nurses screen the patients for high blood pressure during the check-up.
  3. diabetes
    • ex. Maria's uncle has diabetes, so he follows a special diet and does not eat sweets.
  4. hypertension
    • ex. My grandfather takes medicine to control his hypertension.
  5. monitor
    • ex. The teacher monitors the students during the exam to make sure they don’t cheat.

Article

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A new tool powered by artificial intelligence might help screen for high blood pressure and diabetes without using traditional tests. This tool uses high-speed video to watch changes in blood flow on the face and hands. The research was done in a hospital in Japan and shared at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago.

Early results of the study suggest that the system could correctly recognize most cases of hypertension and diabetes among patients. Ryoko Uchida, the head researcher from the University of Tokyo, said this contact-free method allows people to monitor their health at home. Patients don’t need to visit the doctor for tests or wear special devices.

The researchers used high-speed video to study 215 people, including those with hypertension and diabetes, as well as healthy people. The average age of participants was 63 years old. The videos showed how the blood was flowing, and this information was sent to a computer system. By analyzing blood flow data, the system identified signs of diseases. However, more research is needed to test the tool in different places and people.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

  • Would you try the new tool to check your blood pressure and blood sugar levels? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What do you think about using artificial intelligence in healthcare? Discuss.
  • Do you think AI will take over some jobs in healthcare? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Diabetes and Hypertension

  • Why is it important for people with diabetes and hypertension to regularly monitor their blood pressure and blood sugar levels? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, which is better for monitoring diseases like diabetes and hypertension, traditional tests and special devices or new tools powered by AI? Discuss.
  • The researchers studied 215 people, including those with hypertension and diabetes, as well as healthy people. Would you participate in a test like this? Why or why not? Discuss.