Bostonians Leverage AI for Genetic Health Insights
BOSTON — The integration of artificial intelligence into daily routines is expanding significantly. A Boston-based start-up has introduced a groundbreaking platform that allows users to inquire about their DNA, facilitating a deeper understanding of personal health.
Alex Kotlar’s quest for health answers can be traced back to his own life experiences.
“I was born a month and a half prior to the Chernobyl disaster in Kiev,” remarked Alex Kotlar, who serves as CEO of Bystro AI. “A few years later, we fled Ukraine as refugees, embarking on our journey with just four hundred dollars.”
Settling in the Boston area, Kotlar’s family faced a series of grave health challenges as the years passed.
“During my college years, we encountered a troubling cluster of cancers. Within the span of just six months, three relatives succumbed to this harrowing illness,” Kotlar recounted.
His own health struggles emerged while he was attending Boston University.
“Upon returning from medical leave, I felt compelled to pursue a career in genetics or medicine—driven by the desire to alleviate suffering akin to that experienced by my family,” said Kotlar.
He sought to intertwine genetics with computational technology, creating an innovative search engine that functions similarly to Google but focuses exclusively on genetic inquiries, empowering individuals to find tailored health answers.
“Everyone harbors questions about their health; eventually, we all seek to comprehend our bodies better,” Kotlar asserted. “Currently, the primary route to acquire such information entails a visit to a physician—a cumbersome and costly process. Furthermore, most doctors lack specialized training in genetics, limiting their ability to provide comprehensive insights ahead of potential health issues.”
Co-founding Bystro AI, Kotlar has transformed intricate genetic data into a format that is accessible and comprehensible for the layperson, and it is presently in use at various academic institutions.
“Over the last three to four years, I began to encounter physical ailments that were elusive in their origins,” shared Mason Alban, Chief Revenue Officer at Bystro AI.
Prior to his involvement with the company, Alban sought clarity regarding his personal health issues. Upon entering his genetic test results into the platform, he received transformative insights.
“With that information, I approached my physician with informed questions about my potential need for surgery,” said Alban. “By adjusting my diet and exercising greater mindfulness regarding my food intake, I was able to navigate my health differently.”
Alban experienced significant improvement within weeks, illustrating the profound impact genetics can have on individual health.
“The platform facilitated my access to the unique information that resonated with my situation,” Alban expressed. “Our vision is to empower others to achieve similar breakthroughs.”
Both Kotlar and Alban emphasize that while their platform simplifies access to genetic information, it remains imperative for users to consult with healthcare professionals before making any medical decisions.
Their shared objective is to enable proactive health management, enhancing quality of life for users everywhere.
“After thirteen years of effort establishing this foundational system, witnessing its culmination is immensely gratifying,” Kotlar stated.
Bystro AI is set to launch publicly for a nominal monthly subscription. The name “Bystro,” meaning “fast” in Russian, reflects Kotlar’s intention to provide users with swift, informative answers regarding their health.
Source link: Boston25news.com.
