New Study Shows AI Scans Can Detect Sex-Based Differences in the Brain

A new study has revealed findings of sex-based differences in our brain composition.

The study by researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that machine-learning programs, a type of artificial intelligence (AI), have the ability to identify image-based patterns that can slip the human eye. Researchers employed machine learning to take a closer look at brain scans from 471 male and 560 female subjects between the ages of 22 and 37.

The findings of the study are quite a breakthrough, as scientists have long wondered about the differences in male and female brains at a cellular level. While we know that men and women experience different rates and symptoms of multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, migraines, and other brain-related disorders and diseases, we still don't have much information beyond this. Although we do know that the differences are due to a range of factors including molecular levels, immune system differences, and differences in hormones.

In this article, we cover the types of sex-based differences detected by AI in the study, its findings, and the myths surrounding the way our brains function based on sex.

It's important to remember the distinction between sex and gender and that they are two different things. Sex, as referred to in this article, is based on a person's sex characteristics, such as hormones, chromosomes, and reproductive organs, usually identified at birth. A person's gender, or gender identity, however, relates to their social and cultural identity; it exists on a spectrum and can be fluid.

Types of Sex-Based Differences Detected by AI

By utilising an AI technique known as machine learning, the program was able to accurately spot differences between the male and female brains, which can ultimately have an effect on information flow within the brain.

Machine learning also recognised patterns in the white matter, fibres in the innermost layers of the human brain that make up half of our brain and foster the exchange of inter-regional communication.

In a recent media release, senior author and neuroradiologist Yvonne W. Lui, MD, was quoted saying, "Our findings provide a clearer picture of how a living, human brain is structured, which may, in turn, offer new insight into how many psychiatric and neurological disorders develop and why they can present differently in men and women."

These discoveries suggest that the variations exist at a cellular level in brain organisation between males and females and could potentially revolutionise how healthcare workers, such as those with a Graduate Diploma in Nursing, care for patients over time.

Study Conclusions

The researchers at NYU Langone Health discovered that there was consistency in results when they conducted the study using three different types of machine learning formulas.

All three models were carefully able to distinguish and recognise slight variations in the white matter structure of a male and female individual, driving near-identical outcomes.

The three models used their individual strengths to verify the biological sex of the brains, either drawing conclusions based on relationships between large portions of the brain or focusing on the white matter of smaller regions.

Between 92% and 98% of the time during the study, all three models were able to identify the sex of the subjects accurately.

This discovery comes as a surprise to researchers who have spent years relying on standard machines such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) to conduct brain scans.

In the media statement mentioned above, Dr. Lui added that "the validity of some of these past findings has been called into question for relying on statistical analyses of 'hand-drawn' regions of interest, meaning researchers needed to make many subjective decisions about shape, size, and location of the regions they choose. Such choices can potentially skew the results."

This goes to show that AI plays a pivotal role in the future of medicine and has the power to redefine the current state of the healthcare system globally.

Society's Current Beliefs on Male and Female Brains

Our society's current beliefs regarding the male and female brains have sparked numerous discussions online and offline.

One of the most common myths about the human brain is that the size of your brain equates to how smart you are; however, we know that this is not true when we look at the differences between male and female brains. While studies have proven that a male's brain is approximately 10% larger than that of a female, it does not reflect higher intellectual levels in males.

According to one Web MD article, psychiatrist and author of Unleash the Power of the Female Brain, Daniel Amen, MD, argues that there were no differences between male and female IQ levels despite their differing brain sizes.

A smaller brain often does bring some differences, such as a slightly higher ratio of grey to white matter, which is found more commonly in women. This normally suggests an increased capacity for processing and absorbing information.

Benefits of AI in Healthcare

Health experts have come to the general consensus that with continued use, AI has the potential to improve clinical outcomes, making for better patient care and an improved overall healthcare system. With machine learning in place, AI can take on the role of data-driving projects, do the behind-the-scenes analysis, and identify trends for individual patients or comparisons between different cases. This will give doctors more room to perform their tasks that focus on direct patient care, such as communication, support, actual treatment procedures, and practices. A major portion of a doctor's job is showing empathy and making ethical decisions based on the interests and nature of the patient. These are tasks that machine learning, or any form of AI or technology, cannot perform to nearly the same standard or, in some cases, at all. The need for human doctors is not going anywhere, but the introduction of AI into healthcare does mean that they might be able to prioritise their time in a more appropriate or efficient manner, ultimately benefiting their patients.

Future AI Plans in Healthcare

Machine learning aims to provide support by personalising its functions to cater to specific patient needs in order to boost the overall efficiency of healthcare.

When asked about future AI plans in healthcare, the team at NYU Langone Health mentioned that they are planning to research further the development of sex-related brain structure differences over time. This is so they are able to gain greater insight into the different factors that may have an impact on these changes.