Regina Barzilay: Deep Learning for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

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Sep 23, 2019

Regina Barzilay, a professor at MIT and a leading expert in deep learning for oncology, discusses her groundbreaking work in cancer diagnosis and treatment. She shares insights on how literature shapes scientific perspectives and the importance of empathy in research. The conversation touches on the challenges of data access for deep learning, innovations in drug discovery, and the evolution of natural language processing. Regina also reflects on personal missions and the search for meaning in life, emphasizing authenticity in the face of societal expectations.

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ANECDOTE

Mirroring Experience

Regina Barzilay recounts reading Americana, a novel about a young African woman's cultural adaptation in the US.
She had a mirroring experience, realizing someone spoke slowly to her due to perceived language barrier, not disability.

INSIGHT

Personality's Impact on Science

While ideas are important, personal devotion significantly impacts scientific progress.
Personalities can locally change the research landscape, affecting adoption rates of new ideas.

INSIGHT

Imperfect Science

The Emperor of All Melodies reveals the imprecise nature of scientific discovery, particularly in cancer research.
The book highlights the role of personal devotion in driving scientific implementation, even amidst imperfections.

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Americanah

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Americanah is a story about Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who leaves her home and her first love, Obinze, to start a new life in America. The novel explores her struggles with cultural adaptation, racial identity, and the complexities of being a black African in the United States. Meanwhile, Obinze faces his own challenges as an undocumented immigrant in London. The book delves into themes of love, identity, and the African diasporic experience, ultimately leading to a reunion in a newly democratic Nigeria where Ifemelu and Obinze rekindle their passion for each other and their homeland.

An American sickness

How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take It Back

Elisabeth Rosenthal

In 'An American Sickness,' Elisabeth Rosenthal provides a comprehensive critique of the American healthcare system, arguing that severely distorted financial incentives are at the root of its problems. The book is organized into two parts: the first half provides a historical perspective on the evolution of American healthcare, detailing issues such as insurance costs, hospital bills, and pharmaceutical costs. The second half offers specific actions individuals can take and policies that should be implemented to reform the system. Rosenthal draws from her extensive experience as a physician and journalist to offer practical advice on navigating the current healthcare maze and advocating for systemic change.

Flowers for Algernon

Daniel Keyes

The novel tells the story of Charlie Gordon, a 32-year-old man with an IQ of 68 who is chosen for an experimental brain surgery designed to increase his intelligence. Through his progress reports, Charlie's story unfolds as he gains intelligence, recovers forgotten memories, and grapples with the complexities of human relationships and the temporary nature of his newfound intellect. The novel explores themes of mental disabilities, human nature, intelligence, and love, culminating in a tragic conclusion as Charlie's intelligence begins to decline, mirroring the fate of the lab mouse Algernon.

The Emperor of All Maladies

A Biography of Cancer

Nessa Carey

Siddhartha Mukherjee

In this book, Siddhartha Mukherjee provides a detailed and engaging history of cancer, from its first recorded cases to the latest treatments and research. The book delves into the scientific, medical, and social aspects of cancer, making it a compelling read for both medical professionals and the general public.