Research

The system, developed at the University of Waterloo, uses artificial intelligence (AI) software to search a huge database of x-ray images with known diagnoses for comparison to x-rays of new patients with unknown conditions.

That approach enables researchers to identify 75 per cent of cases of collapsed lungs, or pneumothorax. On average, medical specialists diagnose fewer than 50 per cent of cases when chest x-rays are used.

Predicting and controlling disease outbreaks would be easier and more reliable with the wider application of mathematical modelling, according to a new study. 

The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Waterloo, University of Maryland and Yale’s School of Public Health. 

Canadians who consider religion to be important in their lives were still more likely to vote for the Conservative Party in 2015, finds new research from the University of Waterloo. This religion effect on voting behaviour is one of the strongest sociodemographic effects on vote choice in Canada.

“Helping to create the perception that you are susceptible may be effective at prompting high-risk individuals to get screened,” said co-author Mark Oremus, a public health professor. “It’s another tool that public health officials and physicians doing routine check-ups can use.”

Mammmography machine used for breast cancer screenings. 
 

Engineers have developed decision-making and motion-planning technology to limit injuries and damage when self-driving vehicles are involved in unavoidable crashes.

After recognizing that a collision of some kind is inevitable, the system works by analyzing all available options and choosing the course of action with the least serious outcome.

A team led by Alexander Wong, a Canada Research Chair in the area of AI and a professor of systems design engineering at the University of Waterloo, developed a new type of compact family of neural networks that could run on smartphones, tablets, and other embedded and mobile devices. 

AttoNet

Weight stigma is an issue for queer men using dating apps, says a new University of Waterloo study.

The study found that Grindr, the most popular dating app for gay, bisexual, two-spirit and queer men, had a negative effect on men’s body image, especially when it came to weight. Three out of four gay men are reported to have used Grindr.

In a recent study, Waterloo researchers found that the elderly, people with impaired kidney function and those taking a combination of certain drugs need to be extra mindful of their water intake.

Astrophysicists can mostly agree that something called dark energy is expanding our Universe at an accelerating rate. That discovery was groundbreaking, but that’s only half the puzzle. Two of the top astrophysicists in the game, Waterloo researchers Will Percival and Mike Hudson, have been chipping away at the question of just how fast it’s accelerating for much of their careers.

The University of Waterloo officially launched its astrophysics centre today.