Current Affairs 14th April 2018

Current Affairs 14th April 2018 - Important Points

• Artificial intelligence device to detect diabetic eye problems approved by - US
• Government constitutes 13-member Task Force for fast-tracking implementation of - UAV technology

Current Affairs 14th April 2018 - Details

Artificial intelligence device to detect diabetic eye problems approved by - US

The Food and Drug Administration-FDA of the USA sanctioned an artificial intelligence device, on April 12th, 2018 that can sense diabetic eye issues, therefore, enabling doctors to diagnose the condition without the need of any information or images. This artificial intelligence device is known as ‘IDx-DR’. 

How the device will detect eye damage from diabetes?

The device utilises an artificial-intelligence algorithm to detect images of the eye, clicked with a retinal camera Topcon NW400.

The photograph is then uploaded on a cloud server on which IDx-DR software is installed.

The IDx-DR software detects the image and afterward answers about the condition of the patient's eye.

Significance

IDx-DR is the 1st such device, sanctioned by the Food and Drug Administration for marketing, which delivers screening decision without any clinician detection. This feature allows the routine healthcare benefactors to diagnose diabetic-eye issues.

The device can assist doctors in spotting ‘Diabetic Retinopathy’, which is the most common cause of loss of vision among over 30 million Americans residing with diabetes. 

The United States regulator also elucidated that the usage of this device is not permitted for people with a history of laser eye treatment, people with persistent vision loss and certain retinal disorders.

Government constitutes 13-member Task Force for fast-tracking implementation of - UAV technology

The Union Government has formed 13-member task force to make road map and fast-track implementation of unmanned aerial vehicle technology in the nation. It will be led by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha and will have delegates from government, industry and sectoral professionals.

Terms of Reference of Task Force :

The task force will produce roadmaps including results, timelines, employment and review process and measurable metrics for implementing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle technology. Its road-map will emphasis on R&D, acquisition and commercialisation, regulatory outline and preference for Make in India.

It will initiate implementable suggestions for central and state governments, industry and research organizations. It will produce its report in 6 months. It will observe global practices and cooperate with relevant shareholders, for the groundwork of its report. It will also have essential consultations and communications with Government firms, industry and research institutions.