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Pigeons identify cancerous tissue on x-rays
Pigeon
The pigeons were able to generalise what they learned, correctly identifying tumours in unseen microscope images.
Could help improve image-based diagnosis technologies

Pigeons can identify cancerous tissue on x-rays, according to research published in the journal PLOS ONE.

The study, led by scientists at the University of California, proved that the birds have a remarkable ability to distinguish between cancerous and healthy breast tissue samples.

The pigeons were able to generalise what they learned, correctly identifying tumours in unseen microscope images.  It is hoped that the finding could help improve new image-based diagnosis technologies.

Speaking to BBC News, lead author professor Richard Levenson said: "The birds were remarkably adept at discriminating between benign and malignant breast cancer slides."

Although a pigeon's brain is no larger than the size of a human finger, it has impressive capabilities.

Co-author professor Edward Wasserman from the University of Iowa explained: "Pigeons can distinguish identities and emotional expressions on human faces, letters of the alphabet, misshapen pharmaceutical capsules, and even paintings by Monet vs Picasso.

"Their visual memory capacity is equally impressive, with a proven recall of more than 1,800 images."

In the study, each bird was taught to differentiate between images of cancerous and non cancerous tissue, by being rewarded only when they provided the correct answer.

Not only did the birds learn to recognise tumours at a range of magnifications and image compression levels, but they also learned how to recognise tumours in the absence of colour.

The scientists say that the birds might be able to assist researchers and engineers in developing image-based cancer diagnostic tools which are tedious and expensive to produce.

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Vets to run marathon for World Animal Protection

News Story 1
 Two recently graduated veterinary surgeons will be running the London Marathon in April to raise money for the charity World Animal Protection.

Alex Bartlett and Maeve O'Neill plan to run the race together if they are given the same start times.

Dr O'Neill said: "You're always limited in what you can do to help animals, so it is nice to raise money for a charity that helps animals around the world."

Dr Bartlett added: "I have never run a marathon before and am excited to run my first one for such a good cause!"

Both Dr Bartlett and Dr O'Neill have fundraising pages online. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA releases new Guide to Procedures

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) has published a new edition of its Guide to Procedures for Small Animal Practice.

It has added four new procedures; cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound and wet-to-dry dressings.

BSAVA says that it is an essential step-by-step guide to diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed in practice. The textbook includes new images and illustrations, as well as high-definition videos for use prior to procedures.

Nick Bexfield and Julia Riggs, editors of the new edition, said: "We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed."

Print copies are available in the BSAVA store, with a digital version in the BSAVA library.