DEEP TECH HEALTH + NEUROTECH
Novelda’s building-integrated “XeThru” sensor modules detect human presence and monitor respiration. Breath rate and depth are measured and tracked in real-time. The use of radio waves, rather than infrared, ultrasound or light, allows the modules to ‘see through’ a variety of objects, including building materials and blankets. The sensors are intended for hidden, tamper proof, […]
Aaron Johnson of The Beckman Institute has developed an MRI technique that can view dynamic images of vocal movement at 100 frames per second. This speed is far more advanced than any other MRI technique. The method is especially useful in studying how rapidly the tongue moves, along with other muscles in the head and neck, during […]
Pitie-Salpetriere Hospital researchers examined 94 cochlear implant patients 3 times — before they received the device, 6 months after implantation, and 1 year after implantation. A year after the implant, (65 – 85 year old) subjects heard words more clearly, and most had improved cognition and fewer depression symptoms. Dr. Isabelle Mosnier and colleagues detailed […]
Fujitsu Laboratories, CASALA, and Insight@UCD have developed technology that detects abnormal motor function early using wearable and home embedded sensors. 110 ambient sensors were installed in a home which, combined with wearable sensors, collected extensive daily routine data. Researchers discovered abnormalities that often go unnoticed by doctors by extracting “opened door” or “walked” events that […]
Device makers continue to address the phenomenon of seniors living longer, and independently aging in place. Lively, who last year crowdfunded a senior monitoring sensor system that operates independently of a Wi-Fi network, has released a smartwatch. It relies on the Lively Hub, with its own cellular network. The watch gives medicine reminders, or alerts when medicine […]
Emma Stanmore and colleagues at the University of Manchester have developed a series of Kinect based “Exergames” designed to reduce the likelihood of falls among seniors. The exercises run on MIRA Rehab’s software platform and use the Kinect sensor to monitor body movements. They are individually programmed based on ability,fatigue, pain, and fear of falling. […]
The Fraunhofer Institute will release a smartwatch designed specifically for seniors. It is programmed according to one’s needs and accessible to caregivers via a web portal. The device assists wearers with their daily routine, but does not monitor health issues. The system reminds users to take medication with a vibration on one’s arm or a […]
Ybrain is a wearable device that targets brain regions with electrical signals. Two sensors are embedded in the front of a headband, providing stimulation for 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, at home. It is intended for both Alzheimer’s and Mild Cognitive Impairment patients. The company has built a prototype and will begin […]
In a potential breakthrough, a study published yesterday in Science Translational Medicine shows the SSRI Celexa driving down beta amyloid production in both mice and humans. The lead author is Professor Yvette Sheline from Washington University in St. Louis. Citalopram was found to reduce the concentration of beta-amyloid in the cerebrospinal fluid in non-Alzheimer’s patients by 38%. Researchers […]
GiraffPlus is an integrated sensor and robot system aimed at keeping seniors healthy and independent in their own homes. It is being developed by a consortium of European universities. The robot uses a Skype-like interface to allow caregivers to virtually visit seniors. Sensors on the ceiling, doors, and under the mattress help the system understand where the person […]