UAE Implements new Medical Tech to Slash Diagnosis Time from 3 Years to 1 Day

Omar Abbas - | Arab

The potential benefits of incorporating genomic medicine and AI into healthcare delivery extend far beyond the UAE, providing prospects for enhanced precision in diagnoses and individualized therapeutic approaches.

Revolutionizing Diagnosis with Cutting-Edge Technologies

In the UAE, cutting-edge technologies like genomic medicine combined with artificial intelligence (AI) are revolutionizing the diagnosis process for rare diseases, significantly reducing the time it takes to identify them. According to experts in the field, such advancements hold immense potential for transforming healthcare.

Dr. Imane Boudellioua, a prominent researcher at the Technology Innovation Institute in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the impact of these technologies based on her experience. She recounted a project involving 19 patients afflicted with congenital hypothyroidism, an exceptionally rare genetic disorder. Traditionally, diagnosing such conditions could take up to three years due to the complexities of analyzing DNA sequences. However, by harnessing the power of AI and integrating data from various sources, the diagnosis time was drastically reduced to just one day.

Speaking at a panel discussion on precision medicine and preventive health innovation held at the University of Birmingham in Dubai, Dr. Imane emphasized the promising future of medicine driven by AI. She envisioned a scenario where medical treatments could be tailored to individuals based on their unique genetic makeup, leading to more effective and personalized care.

Dr. Mohammed Uddin, an Associate Professor of Human Genetics, echoed Dr. Imane's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of converging technologies like AI and genomic medicine. By leveraging machine learning algorithms, researchers can decipher how genetic mutations impact protein structures, paving the way for personalized medication tailored to each patient's specific needs.

Transforming Treatment Approaches

Illustrating the transformative potential of AI, Dr. Ahmad Abou Tayoun, Director of Al Jalila Genomics Center, highlighted a breakthrough in 2020 where AI was instrumental in discovering a new class of antibiotics capable of combating drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA. This development signifies a paradigm shift from using AI for recreational purposes to harnessing its power to save lives and cure diseases.

However, despite the remarkable progress, several challenges confront the widespread adoption of precision medicine. Major Dr. Mohamed Al Marri, Director of the Genome Center at Dubai Police, pointed out the infrastructure limitations, particularly the lack of adequate IT systems to store vast amounts of genomic data efficiently. Additionally, concerns regarding patient confidentiality and data privacy in genomic sequencing further complicate the landscape, necessitating the development of robust regulations to safeguard patient rights while facilitating medical advancements.

The convergence of genomic medicine and AI presents unprecedented opportunities to revolutionize healthcare in the UAE and beyond. By addressing challenges and fostering collaboration across disciplines, stakeholders can harness these technologies to deliver more accurate diagnoses, personalized treatments, and ultimately, improved patient outcomes.

About Author

Omar Abbas
Omar Abbas
203 Total posts


Read Also

Arab
UAE: Various Areas Experienced Hail and Rain of Different Intensities

Various regions in the UAE experienced rainfall of varying intensities, accompanied by hailstones in some areas Yesterday.

Arab
UAE Doctors caution against exposure to ultraviolet rays

Specialized doctors have emphasized the dangers of direct sunlight exposure to the eyes, especially during the summer months, which can lead to serious conditions such as photokeratitis, cataracts, macular degeneration, and aging of the eye’s...

Arab
UAE sets 6 key aspects for parents in treating & rehabilitating addicted child

Experts and specialists emphasized the critical role parents play in supporting their sons through the challenges of drug abuse, highlighting six key aspects essential to their involvement.

Arab
Dubai: Volunteer Doctors Provide Free Treatment to over 300 Patients on Fridays

A dedicated team of volunteer doctors and nursing staff is providing free medical check-ups and treatments weekly to patients from various parts of the UAE.

Arab
UAE leaders express condolences to Moroccan King on his mother's passing

In a gesture of profound sympathy, the leadership of the UAE has extended their heartfelt condolences to King Mohammed VI of Morocco following the passing of his mother.

Arab
UAE urges immediate action to prevent Sudan imminent famine

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made a strong plea to the UN Security Council, highlighting the paramount necessity of prompt action to avert an impending famine in Sudan, in a diplomatically significant gesture.

Arab
UAE launches covered motorcyclist rest stops in Abu Dhabi

In a move aimed at improving conditions for delivery drivers in Abu Dhabi, the Joint Traffic Safety Committee, chaired by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has launched a pioneering initiative. This initiative focuses on establishing...

Arab
UAE worshippers express gratitude to government for shortened Friday prayers

A Dubai citizen named Muzaffar Habib left his nearby workplace at around 1:20 PM on Friday, June 28th to attend the special Jum'uah congregational prayers at a mosque in the Zabeel district.

Arab
UAE Releases Travel Advisory Following Reports of High Thefts in Six Countries

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on Thursday in response to an increased number of theft incidents reported by Emirati travelers across multiple countries.

Arab
UAE mandates schools to explore alternatives before determining student failure

Abu Dhabi's private schools have stated their intention to look at other options before deciding to keep students, in line with rules that stress moving on to the next grade or, in extreme circumstances, starting over.

Arab
UAE: 70% of fire-related deaths occur inside residential homes

Official statistics indicate that a significant majority, 70%, of fatalities resulting from fire incidents within the UAE occur in residential settings, with 56% of all fires originating within homes.

Arab
UAE: Etihad plans to hire hundreds of new employees in 2024

Etihad Airways, the prestigious national carrier of the UAE, has unveiled ambitious plans to expand its pilot workforce significantly this year.

Arab
UAE Police announces the launch of smart bus to combat drug abuse in Abu Dhabi

In a proactive move to tackle drug abuse, the Abu Dhabi Police have rolled out a cutting-edge mobile education unit.

Arab
UAE doctors warn that summer itching could indicate serious health issues

Healthcare professionals said that summer itching should not be ignored since it may be a sign of more significant health problems.

Arab
Saudi Arabia is “more than halfway” towards achieving its Vision 2030 ambitions.

The UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Forum was informed by Saudi Arabia's Minister of Investment, Khalid al-Falih, that the country is "more than halfway" done achieving its Vision 2030 targets.

Arab
UAE Launches New Initiative Granting Professors 30-Day Extra Paid Leave

Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) electrical engineering professor Yaser Qudaih, 52 years old, has jumped at the chance to play the part of a student again. While on leave from his teaching position, Qudaih has sought out internship-style practical...

Arab
UAE: A tragic fire in Fujairah home claims the lives of two children

In a heartbreaking incident in Fujairah, two Emirati children, aged 8 and 7, lost their lives due to a fire that engulfed their home.

Arab
A number of travel agencies provided incorrect visas to illegal Hajj pilgrims

According to a representative for the Kingdom's Ministry of Interior, several travel agencies from other nations urged tourists to undertake the Hajj illegally by giving them illegitimate visas to enter Saudi Arabia on Monday.

Arab
Sharjah Ruler authorizes new logos for three municipalities within the emirate

Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah and a Member of the Supreme Council, granted approval for new logos for three municipalities in the eastern province.

Arab
UAE Doctors Warn of Child Headphone Use Risks for Hearing Loss    

Excessive headphone use among children, particularly while engaged in activities like video gaming, has raised concerns among medical professionals in the UAE about potential hearing damage.

Abu Dhabi Maritime launches the second edition of the Marina Awards