The issue focused on technology that allows machines to learn their digital personality and computer skills. Some researchers think it could work for surgery.

But Dr. Winfield said not all cancer patients will see it that way. "If you look at where people are now in their condition, they're still having long-term problems with their computer systems," he said.

That may not be the case for many people. The software should not be used to train computer scientists to become digital engineers. The software should