CLINICAL BRIEFINGS04 March 2026To meet the growing demand for radiology artificial-intelligence tools, a 3D vision–language model called Merlin was trained on abdominal computed-tomography scans, radiology reports and electronic health records. Merlin demonstrated stronger off-the-shelf performance than did other vision–language models across three hospital sites distinct from the initial training centre, highlighting its potential for broader clinical adoption.This is a summary of: Blankemeier, L. et al. Merlin: a computed tomography vision–language foundation model and dataset. Nature https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10181-8 (2026).Access optionsAccess Nature and 54 other Nature Portfolio journalsGet Nature+, our best-value online-access subscription27,99 € / 30 dayscancel any timeLearn moreSubscribe to this journalReceive 51 print issues and online access199,00 € per yearonly 3,90 € per issueLearn moreRent or buy this articlePrices vary by article typefrom$1.95to$39.95Learn morePrices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkoutdoi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00645-2‘Expert opinion’ is published under a CC BY 4.0 licence.ReferencesSmith-Bindman, R. et al. JAMA Intern. Med. 185, 710–719 (2025).Article PubMed Google Scholar Wu, E. et al. Nature Med. 27, 582–584 (2021).Article PubMed Google Scholar Chen, Z. et al. Preprint at arXiv https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2401.12208 (2024).Download references Read the paper: Merlin: a computed tomography vision–language foundation model and dataset Cancer outcomes predicted using AI-extracted data from clinical notes An open AI model could help medical experts to interpret chest X-raysSubjectsHealth careImagingMachine learningLatest on:Health careImagingMachine learningJobs Full professorship (W3) for “Transfusion Medicine and Immunology" (f/m/d)The Medical Faculty Mannheim of Heidelberg University offers the position of a Full professorship (W3) for “Transfusion Medicine and Immunology” ...Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg (DE)Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität HeidelbergAssociate or Senior Editor, Nature Progress Brain HealthJob Title: Associate or Senior Editor Nature Progress Brain Health Location: Shanghai, Beijing or Pune, Hybrid Working Model Application Dead...Shanghai, Beijing or Pune, Hybrid Working ModelSpringer Nature LtdAssociate or Senior Editor (Nature Progress Oncology)Job Title: Associate or Senior Editor, Nature Progress Oncology Location: Shanghai, Beijing or Pune, Hybrid Working Model Application Deadlin...Shanghai, Beijing or Pune, Hybrid Working ModelSpringer Nature LtdAssociate or Senior Editor, Communications SustainabilityTitle: Associate or Senior Editor, Communications Sustainability Location: Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Pune or New Delhi Application Deadline: Marc...Shanghai, Beijing, Nanjing, Pune or New DelhiSpringer Nature LtdAssistant, Associate, or full Professor: Division of Vascular Surgery/Cardiovascular Institute and DThe Department of Surgery, School of Medicine at Stanford University, is seeking to fill two full-time academic positions, one in the Divisions of ...Stanford, CaliforniaStanford