(Science) – Analysis of chest x-rays underscores need for monitoring artificial intelligence tools for bias, experts say

From programs designed to detect irregular heartbeats in electrocardiograms to software that tracks eye movements to diagnose autism in children, artificial intelligence (AI) is helping physicians fine-tune the care they provide patients. But for all the technology’s potential for automating tasks, a growing body of evidence also shows that AI can be prone to bias that disadvantages already vulnerable patients. A new study, published today in Science Advances, adds to this work by testing one of the most cited AI models used to scan chest x-rays for diseases—and finding the model doesn’t accurately detect potentially life-threatening diseases in marginalized groups, including women and Black people. (Read More)