In the past year, Google has been enhancing its search results with AI-generated summaries, replacing the conventional list of links. The aim is to deliver direct answers, making information easily accessible and saving users the hassle of sorting through multiple links. Recently, Google has expressed confidence that these AI summaries will also improve the way users search for medical information.
During its annual health event, The Check Up, Google unveiled various initiatives aimed at enhancing how people seek health-related information. The company announced that it is expanding its AI-generated summaries to encompass thousands of additional health topics, moving beyond just common ailments like the flu. Furthermore, these summaries will be available in several languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Japanese, specifically for mobile queries.
Additionally, Google introduced a feature called “What People Suggest,” which aggregates personal experiences and advice from platforms like Quora and Reddit in response to medical queries. This feature is currently only available for mobile users in the U.S.
It is important to note that while Google’s AI summaries aim to provide accurate information, they are not infallible and may produce incorrect responses, known as hallucinations. Therefore, they should not be relied upon as the sole source of information.
Utilizing AI in Medical Research
In addition to enhancements in search functionalities, Google has introduced its Medical Records API as a feature of the Health Connect platform. This API allows medical records formatted in a specific way to be shared across various health and fitness applications on Android devices.
Although AI-generated search results cannot fully replace professional medical advice, Google is making strides to increase access to a range of lightweight AI models from its Gemma series. These models are specifically designed to assist researchers in accelerating drug discovery by providing insights into the effects of particular molecules.
Moreover, Google is piloting an AI tool named Capricorn, which aims to support healthcare professionals, particularly pediatric oncologists, by offering personalized treatment options for young cancer patients in a hospital located in the Netherlands.
