Tiger Population Growth
Source: Revival of the tiger: A joint effort, a cultural renaissance (The Indian Express, January 6)
The number of tigers at Corbett Tiger Reserve in Uttarakhand has risen to 260, an increase from 231 four years ago. This figure is the highest known density of tigers worldwide, suggesting a flourishing ecosystem.
- Biodiversity and Ecotourism: The reserve’s diverse landscapes host a plethora of birds and wildlife, making it a prime spot for birdwatchers, environmentalists, and wildlife lovers. Visitors often describe their time here as a unique connection with nature.
- Grasslands: The reserve includes 27 types of grasslands, essential for the sustenance of prey species like cheetal and sambhar. These grasslands are managed carefully to maintain the food supply for tigers.
- Water Conservation: To support the wildlife, especially during dry spells, the reserve uses solar-powered water holes. This helps to ensure animals have access to water throughout the year.
Bio-Imaging Bank for Cancer Detection
Source: How AI can help detect cancer and why India’s biggest cancer treatment hospital is utilising it (The Indian Express, January 6)
- Implementing Artificial Intelligence: Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) faces a shortage of cancer specialists. To combat cancer more effectively, the hospital is leveraging artificial intelligence.
- Establishing a Bio-Imaging Bank: TMH has created a ‘Bio-Imaging Bank’ specifically for cancer. The aim is to use deep learning techniques to develop an early detection algorithm.
- Data Collection: In the past year, the biobank has gathered data from over 60,000 patients. This massive collection of data is crucial for tailoring the AI to recognize early-stage cancer.
How It Works
- The bank will include images from radiology and pathology.
- Clinical details, outcomes, and treatments will be connected to these images.
- This rich source will train AI to test its accuracy in finding cancer.
Current Focus and Future Plans
- The programme now looks at two types of cancer: head and neck, and lung.
- For each type, it aims to gather data from over 1000 patients.
- AI will use this data to learn tasks like finding cancer spread and predicting treatment success.
Collaboration and Funding
The project has support from:
- The Department of Biotechnology.
- Several institutions, including IIT-Bombay and AIIMS-New Delhi, are involved.