AI revolutionizes healthcare for Japan’s beloved cats

admin 2024年7月4日

science & technology, science & technology - expert

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

discern /dih-SURN/

[verb] – to perceive, recognize, or detect something, typically something subtle or not easily noticeable
She could discern his hesitation from the way he avoided eye contact.

arthritis /ahr-THRAHY-tis/

[noun] – a serious condition in which a person’s joints (the places where two bones are connected) become painful, swollen, and stiff
Her grandmother struggled with arthritis, making it difficult for her to move comfortably.

preliminary /pri-LIM-uh-ner-ee/

[adjective] – coming before a more important action or event, especially introducing or preparing for it
The preliminary findings from the study suggest a need for further investigation into the long-term effects of the new treatment.

succumb /suh-KUHM/

[verb] – to die or suffer badly from an illness
Despite the doctor’s efforts, he eventually succumbed to his illness after a long battle.

poignant /POIN-yuhnt/

[adjective] – deeply moving, touching, or evoking strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy
The movie’s poignant ending left everyone in tears.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

Mayumi Kitakata, a 57-year-old from central Tokyo, is ensuring the health of her 14-year-old cat, Chi, by using an AI app called CatsMe!. Developed by Carelogy and Nihon University, CatsMe! detects signs of pain in cats, reducing stressful vet visits. Kitakata values how the app monitors Chi’s health effectively. This innovation is crucial in Japan, where pets are integral to families amid an aging population and declining birth rate. Last year, Japan had nearly 16 million pets, exceeding children under 15, reflecting a growing trend among owners using advanced tools for pet health management.

CatsMe! has gained substantial traction since its launch, with over 230,000 users. It boasts an impressive accuracy rate of over 95%, a figure expected to improve as the AI continues to learn from a growing database of feline images. Nihon University professor Kazuya Edamura noted that while veterinarians can often discern an animal’s discomfort, it is more challenging for pet owners. Edamura highlighted that more than 70% of elderly cats suffer from conditions like arthritis, yet only a small fraction receive proper medical attention. The app serves as a preliminary assessment tool, alerting owners to potential health issues. Kitakata, who meticulously monitors Chi’s daily activities, including using the app to analyze his facial expressions, hopes that this technology will prevent situations similar to what happened with her previous cat, Soran, who succumbed to cancer at a young age. Kitakata expressed deep regret over not catching Soran’s illness earlier, despite regular veterinary visits. The emotional impact of losing Soran drives her commitment to using AI to enhance Chi’s quality of life, demonstrating a poignant blend of technology and affection in modern pet care.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Can you relate to Mayumi Kitakata’s concern for her pet’s health? If so, how do you ensure your pet stays healthy? If not, what do you think are important considerations for pet owners?
Have you ever used technology to monitor the health of a pet or a family member? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you consider using such technology in the future? Why or why not?
Do you agree that technology should play a more prominent role in managing pet health?
How do you think AI technology like CatsMe! could benefit pet owners in your country or community?
What challenges might arise when relying on technology to monitor a pet’s health, and how can these challenges be addressed?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

AI app
detect
facial expression
veterinarians
growing trend