Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
AI could place Slovakia among EU's leaders
Oncologist Štefan Korec (source: Jozef Jakubčo)
Slovakia is currently struggling with a high cancer mortality rate, but renowned oncologist Štefan Korec believes AI (artificial intelligence) could deliver a breakthrough. In an interview with technology news website Živé, he predicts that advanced algorithms could speed up and improve diagnosis, enable more targeted treatments, and advance personalized medicine.
Korec envisions a system where patients fill out an electronic form before visiting a doctor, providing symptoms and medical history. AI then analyses the data, highlights risk factors, and helps interpret imaging scans (CT, MRI) to spot subtle pathological changes.
AI can also summarise test results, identify cancer stages and subtypes, and suggest the best treatment approach, helping doctors make faster, more precise decisions. After a physical exam, the system compiles findings, drafts reports, retrieves lab results, and recommends specialist referrals if needed.
Once tests are approved, AI can schedule appointments and inform general practitioners about next steps, streamlining cancer diagnosis and care.
The story of a successful community run from Bratislava
Running is a way to get some exercise, get your endorphins flowing, start feeling fit – and to build new contacts and friendships. (source: TV Noviny )
In 2019, Juraj Roháč and his friends founded a community run with the goal of engaging and supporting young people, who, in his opinion, tend to be more withdrawn in today's world.
What started with just four or five participants has now grown significantly, with 50 to 70 people regularly joining the runs, and as many as 140 at times. “We started in Bratislava, and as I shared our events, people from Košice, Prague, Brno, Olomouc, and even other parts of the world kept reaching out, saying they wished they had something similar in their city,” says Michal "Yaksha" Novotný, another organizer.
“So, I decided to help them start community runs in their areas. Today, we have runs in 35 locations worldwide, with around 500 to 600 people participating each week,” he adds.
These runs are open to beginners as well. “We always wait for everyone, and we keep a pace of 6 minutes per kilometre, which is manageable for almost anyone,” says Roháč. The community run is a way to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces, establish a healthy routine, and enjoy a moment of relaxation.
Slovakia breaks an unusual record: For ironing in the mountains
Tomáš Jamriško, a passionate hiker and content creator, combined hiking with humour to organise "Extreme Ironing." He invited people via social media to join him on a hike to the central-Slovak peak of Kľak, but with a twist – participants had to bring irons, ironing boards, and clothes.
At the summit, they symbolically "ironed" (without electricity), setting a new Slovak record and attracting over 60 participants from Slovakia and abroad. The event proved that everyday activities can be turned into fun challenges.
Now, the organisers aim to break the world record, currently held by the Netherlands, of 173 participants.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
A climate inversion turned a hike on Veľká Javorina hill into a magical experience. Part of the adventure was to climb an abandoned military tower.
His grandmother asked him to do good things for Slovakia – and so Christopher Sanders resolved to try. Meet this first-generation American with Slovak roots.
Scientist and comedian Milan "Docent" Sedliak is a Slovak academic, nutrition expert, and stand-up star who excels at blending science and humour.
With no equal anywhere else in Slovakia, this jewel of a cross-country skiing trail is finally open.
A popular car museum in central Slovakia has acquired another unique exhibit.
Meme of the week
Caption: Nothing will help decaying hospitals more than two genders in the constitution.
Satirical website Zomri.online reacts to Prime Minister Robert Fico's proposal to amend the constitution so that only two genders are recognised and homosexual couples are banned from adopting children – by suggesting that the country may have more urgent priorities. Fico has framed the proposed changes as "sovereignty in values and cultural-ethical issues".
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
