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Against the Grain

Explainable artificial intelligence – humans can understand the predictions – applied to pollen classification to aid allergy research

20 March 2023

Against the Grain

The intelligent part of artificial intelligence (AI) is mimicking our thought processes – making decisions based on logic and knowledge, and perhaps learning new rules along the way to hone these choices. But as deep-learning models grow more complex, the logic driving them can be lost in the code. Pictured under a scanning electron microscope, spotting different varieties of pollen grains, is a fresh challenge for artificial intelligence. A team of computer scientists and bioengineers sort grains by their different chemical and shape (morphological) properties using a form of explainable AI (xAI) – in which the artificial ‘thought processes’ are transparent and easy to follow. Apart making an excellent testing ground for xAI methods, the team are able to compare different models for classifying pollen, which may ultimately improve how we estimate pollen counts, make forecasts and promote advice to millions of people suffering allergies worldwide.

Written by John Ankers

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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