Researchers in the US have found a new ally in the fight against breast cancer - pigeons!
In a study, the birds were able to detect signs of breast cancer from biopsy slides and mammogram scans. And, interestingly, they could do it as well as doctors.
After a fortnight of training, the pigeons could make an accurate diagnosis 85% of the time.
Even highly educated doctors can struggle to analyse the data correctly.
The experiment involved eight pigeons, which had to peck different coloured buttons depending on whether the image on the slide was benign or malignant.
If they got it right, they would be treated to a food reward.
"With training and food reinforcement, pigeons do just as well as humans," said Prof Richard Levenson of the University of California, the lead researcher on the project.
“The birds were remarkably adept at discriminating between benign and malignant breast cancer slides at all magnifications. Accuracy from day one at low magnification rose from 50% correct to 85% days 13 to 15,” he added.
The research could lead to pigeons being roped in as a diagnostic aid by hospitals soon.
Pigeon intelligence has been demonstrated in previous studies.
In an experiment in Japan, they were trained to successfully distinguish between the paintings of different artists.
