Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Scientists develop facial recognition tool to detect stroke

The smartphone application uses artificial intelligence to analyse facial symmetry and muscle movements to detect stroke

Scientists develop facial recognition tool to detect stroke

A new smartphone application could come in handy for paramedics as it detects within seconds if a patient has suffered a stroke.

Developers of the tool, which has an accuracy of 82 per cent, said it uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyse facial symmetry and muscle movements to detect stroke.


Signs suggesting that an individual has suffered a stroke can include confusion, loss of control over muscle movement, impaired speech and diminished facial expressions, they said.

The research team shared the trial results of the application in a study, which was published in the journal Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine.

"One of the key parameters that affects people with stroke is that their facial muscles typically become unilateral, so one side of the face behaves differently from the other side," said lead author Guilherme Camargo de Oliveira from the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia.

"We've got the (AI) tools and the image processing tools that can detect whether there is any change in the asymmetry of the smile - that is the key to detection in our case," said de Oliveira.

For the study, the team used video recordings of the facial expressions of 14 people who had suffered a stroke and 11 healthy persons.

Early detection of stroke is critical as timely treatment reduces the risk of long-term disability and saves lives, the researchers said.

While the newly developed tool would not replace comprehensive clinical diagnostic tests for stroke, it could help identify people needing treatment much sooner, they said.

"Studies indicate that nearly 13 per cent of strokes are missed in emergency departments and at community hospitals, while 65 per cent of patients without a documented neurological examination experience undiagnosed stroke," said corresponding author Dinesh Kumar, a professor at RMIT.

"This rate can be even higher in smaller regional centres. Given that many strokes occur at home and initial care is often provided by first responders in non-ideal conditions, there is an urgent need for real-time, user-friendly diagnostic tools," Kumar said. (PTI)

More For You

Holi 2025

Vibrant Holi celebrations in full swing

iStock

Holi 2025: 17 must-attend events and festive feasts in UK ​

Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, is one of the most vibrant and joyful celebrations around the world. Marking the arrival of spring, it’s a time for dancing, singing, and most famously, throwing colourful powders in the air to spread joy and positivity. While Holi originated in India, London has embraced the festival with open arms, offering a variety of events and experiences for everyone to enjoy.

If you’re in London this March, here’s a guide to the best Holi events and experiences you can attend this year. From colour-filled outdoor parties to special menus at top restaurants, these events will let you immerse yourself in the spirit of Holi.

Keep ReadingShow less
AP Dhillon

From dropping beats to dropping jaws—AP Dhillon steals the show at Chanel in Paris

AP Dhillon owns the spotlight: From Brown Munde to Chanel’s front row in Paris

From selling out arenas to sitting front row at Chanel’s Paris Fashion Week show, the Punjabi rap superstar is moving in spaces once reserved for fashion’s elite. And he’s doing it with the same effortless swagger that made him a household name across South Asia and now, Europe.

AP Dhillon brings his signature style to Chanel’s front row

Keep ReadingShow less
NHS Greenlights New Daily Pill for Endometriosis Relief

This new pill can be taken at home

iStock

NHS approves new daily pill for endometriosis treatment in the UK

A new daily pill, relugolix-estradiol-norethisterone, designed to treat endometriosis, has been approved for use across England’s NHS. This medication provides a convenient and effective alternative to traditional treatments, offering relief for women suffering from this painful condition.

A Breakthrough in Endometriosis Care

Keep ReadingShow less
budget friendly spring destinations

Lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices

iStock

Top 7 budget-friendly spring destinations for 2025

With spring break just around the corner, it's time to lock in affordable trips and avoid inflated prices. Booking three weeks to a month in advance can help secure the best deals. Spring 2025 is shaping up to be a great time for travel, with airfares for international trips down by 3% and hotel rates decreasing by 2%, making it easier than ever to plan a memorable trip without breaking the bank. Here are seven top destinations to explore on a budget this spring.

1. Big Bear, California

Big Bear Lake, CaliforniaiStock

Keep ReadingShow less
slushies

Slushy drinks attract young children with their bright colours and taste

istock

Doctors urge children under 8 to avoid slushies due to glycerol risks

Children’s love for brightly coloured, sweet beverages, such as slushy ice drinks, may come with hidden dangers, according to new research that highlights the risks posed by glycerol, a common ingredient in these products. Doctors are now urging that children under eight should completely avoid slushy drinks that contain glycerol, as they may cause serious health issues, including loss of consciousness and shock.

The call for revised health advice comes in response to a recent study conducted by paediatricians in the UK and Ireland. The research, published in the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, examined 21 cases of children aged between two and seven who required emergency treatment shortly after drinking glycerol-containing slushies. These cases, all from 2018 to 2024, involved children who became acutely ill within an hour of consuming the drinks.

Keep ReadingShow less