Alibaba's AI Spots Cancer: New Free Tool Reads Scans in Seconds

Alibaba has released a free, open-source artificial intelligence model that detects cancer and more than 150 other medical conditions. The model reads contrast-enhanced CT scans. These are detailed images taken after a patient receives a special dye, which makes organs easier to see. It then checks 18 organs in the abdomen, the area between the chest and hips. According to Alibaba, the tool can identify a wide range of diseases and abnormalities, including malignant tumors. Malignant means cancerous and able to spread. Open-source means the company has shared the technology publicly. Other developers and researchers can use it, study it, or improve it at no cost. The announcement did not say when the model might be used in hospitals or whether regulators have approved it.