Technology behind ChatGPT better with eye problem advice than non-specialist doctors, study test finds
The technology behind ChatGPT scored better at assessing eye problems and providing advice than non-specialist doctors, a new study has found.
A study led by the University of Cambridge has found that GPT-4, the large language model (LLM) developed by OpenAI, performed nearly as well as specialist eye doctors in a written multiple-choice test.
The AI model, which is known for generating text based on the vast amount of data it is trained on, was tested against doctors at different stages of their careers, including junior doctors without a specialism, as well as trainee and expert eye doctors.
Each group was presented with dozens of scenarios where patients have a specific eye problem, and asked to give a diagnosis or advise on treatment by selecting from one of four options.
Dr Arun Thirunavukarasu – the lead author of the study – at work
The test was based on written questions, taken from a textbook used to test trainee eye doctors, about a range of eye problems – including sensitivity to light, decreased vision, lesions, and itchy eyes.
The textbook on which the questions are based is not publicly available, so researchers believe it is unlikely the large language model has been trained on its contents.
GPT-4 scored significantly higher than junior doctors, whose level of specialism is comparable to general practitioners, at the test.
The model achieved similar scores to trainee and expert eye doctors, but it was beaten by the top-performing experts.
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The research was conducted last year using the latest available large language models.
The study also tested GPT-3.5, an earlier version of OpenAI’s model, Google’s PaLM2, and Meta’s LLaMA on the same set of questions. GPT-4 gave more accurate responses than any of the other models.
The researchers have said that large language models will not replace doctors, but they could improve the healthcare system and reduce waiting lists by supporting doctors to deliver care to more patients in the same amount of time.
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Dr Arun Thirunavukarasu, the lead author of the paper, said: “If we had models that could deliver care of a similar standard to that delivered by humans, that would help overcome the problems of NHS waiting lists.
“What that requires is trials to make sure it’s a safe and effective model. But if it is, it could be revolutionary for how care is delivered.”
He added: “While the study doesn’t indicate deployment of LLMs in clinical work immediately, it gives a green light to start developing LLM-based clinical tools as the knowledge and reasoning of these models compared well to the expert ophthalmologists.”
Two men have been charged in connection with the felling of the famous Sycamore Gap tree.
Daniel Graham, 38, and Adam Carruthers, 31, have been charged with causing criminal damage after the tree was cut down last September.
They have both also been charged with causing criminal damage to Hadrian’s Wall and are due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on 15 May.
There was a national outcry when the much-loved, 200-year-old Northumberland tree, which stood next to Hadrian’s Wall, was found to have been cut down.
Northumbria Police made a number of arrests in the wake of the felling of the tree, which happened overnight on 27 and 28 September.
A teenager and man in his 60s were later both told that they will face no further action.
The historic tree was 200 years old. Pic: PA
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Teams from the National Trust collected material at the scene, which they hoped could be “viable for propagating” – or to produce new saplings and trees directly from the Sycamore Gap.
Officials said they are also “hoping” the trunk of the original tree could still regrow – but it could be three years before they know whether this is a possibility.
Seeds collected from the Sycamore Gap tree after it was felled last year are beginning to spring into life.
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Gary Fothergill, specialist prosecutor at the Crown Prosecution Service, said: “We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendants are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.
“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Line Of Duty actor Brian McCardie has died “suddenly at home” at the age of 59, his family has confirmed.
Best known for playing mafia boss John Thomas ‘Tommy’ Hunter in the TV crime drama, the Scottish star had also recently joined the cast of Outlander prequel, Blood Of My Blood.
His sister confirmed his death on X, writing: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie, beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.
“Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.
“We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts.”
She said funeral arrangements would be announced in the days ahead.
No cause of death was given.
McCardie’s agent, United Agents, paid tribute on social media, writing: “We are shocked and so deeply saddened by the tragic news of Brian McCardie’s sudden death.
“He was an actor of such great talent who we were lucky to represent, and our thoughts are very much with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
A statement from Line Of Duty producers Jed Mercurio and Simon Heath and the team behind the hit show, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Brian McCardie’s death.
“We feel honoured to have worked with Brian on Line Of Duty. Brian was an incredibly talented actor, and the lasting impact he had as Tommy Hunter is testament to the power of his performance.
“Off screen, Brian couldn’t have been more different from the character he played – he was warm, funny and charming. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time.”
With a career stretching over three decades, McCardie had appeared in numerous TV shows over the years – but it was his role in Line Of Duty for which he was best known.
Tommy Hunter, a criminal boss turned police informant, was one of the show’s original characters, who met a violent end early on in series two.
But Hunter went on to be mentioned in both series three and series five, and was a key player in the nail-biting police corruption whodunnit.
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McCardie, who grew up Carluke, near Glasgow, appeared in an episode of Outlander, playing Sir Marcus MacRannoch, before being cast as the chief of Clan Grant in the forthcoming Outlander prequel.
The show, which centres around the lives of Outlander character Jamie Fraser’s parents, is currently filming in Scotland, according to Starz network.
In Rob Roy, McCardie starred as Alasdair MacGregor, the brother of the title character, who was played by Northern Ireland actor Liam Neeson.
His other film parts include the 2013 adaption of Irvine Welsh novel Filth, which starred James McAvoy, and 2003 period drama Mr Barrington.
McCardie also had roles in 2019 Netflix series The Last Czars, along with prison drama Time in 2021, opposite Sean Bean, and Irvine Welsh’s TV series Crime in the same year.
He also appeared in Sky Atlantic’s Domina, set in Ancient Rome, where he played Roman statesman Cicero.
UK
King Charles talks about his health as he holds hands with cancer patients on return to public duties
The King has said he is feeling “much better” as he returned to public duties for the first time since his cancer diagnosis.
On his visit with the Queen to a Macmillan Cancer Centre in London, the King held hands with cancer patients.
He was also announced as patron of Cancer Research UK, and takes over the role from his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth.
The King, who is also patron of Macmillan Cancer Support, replied “much better, thanks” when Sky News asked how he was feeling.
It was his first public outing since doctors told him to avoid public-facing duties while having cancer treatment.
Pic: PA
On Friday, the Palace said he was “greatly encouraged” to be given the green light to return to some public-facing duties.
However, sources stressed the King still has cancer and will continue to be treated for an undisclosed form of the disease.
It is hoped his visit will draw attention to the importance of early diagnosis, as well as innovative treatments and research at the hospital supported by Cancer Research UK.
The King holds hands with a cancer patient Pic: Reuters
Pic: Reuters
The King also met the team behind a project called TRACERx, the single biggest investment in lung cancer research by Cancer Research UK.
It aims to investigate how lung cancer evolves and why treatments sometimes stop working.
The royals also gave presents to children on their way out – and received some flowers in return.
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The King announced he had cancer at the beginning of February.
Since then, charities have praised his openness and the impact it has had on raising awareness, along with the Princess of Wales talking about her own diagnosis.
Pic: PA
The King and Queen gave presents to children – and got some flowers in return
Ahead of Tuesday’s visit, a Palace spokesperson said: “His Majesty’s treatment programme will continue, but doctors are sufficiently pleased with the progress made so far that the King is now able to resume a number of public-facing duties.”
They added: “Forthcoming engagements will be adapted where necessary to minimise any risks to His Majesty’s continued recovery.”
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The King has continued constitutional work behind the scenes and has held small meetings inside the palace, including with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
At Easter, he made a point of greeting crowds at St George’s Chapel in Windsor – seen as a hint that more public-facing engagements could soon follow.
Palace officials continue to plan for a busy summer and autumn but will work around the caveat that plans might need to change depending on the King’s health and doctors’ advice.
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The summer months are always a busy period for the Royal Family with events such as Trooping the Colour, Garter Day, and Royal Ascot.
There is also the prospect of overseas travel towards the end of the year, as Samoa is hosting the biennial meeting of Commonwealth leaders.
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