Scientist-led conferences at Harvard, Stanford and MIT
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AI detects bowel cancer in less than 1 second in small study
Yuichi Mori and Showa University colleagues haved used AI to identify bowel cancer by analyzing colonoscopy derived polyps in less than a second. The system compares a magnified view of a colorectal polyp with 30,000 endocytoscopic images. The researchers claimed 86% accuracy, based on a study of 300 polyps. While further testing the technology, Mori said that…
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3D neuron reconstruction reveals electrical behavior
Christof Koch and Allen Institute colleagues have created 3D computer reconstructions of living human brain cells using discarded surgical tissue. As the tissue is still alive when it reaches the lab, the virtual cells are able to capture electrical signals, in addition to cell shape and anatomy. This is the first time that scientists have been able…
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Machine learning improves breast cancer detection
MIT’s Regina Barzilay has used AI to improve breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Machine learning tools predict if a high-risk lesion identified on needle biopsy after a mammogram will upgrade to cancer at surgery, potentially eliminating unnecessary procedures. In current practice, when a mammogram detects a suspicious lesion, a needle biopsy is performed to determine if…
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Teleneurology for remote, underserved populations
Neurodegenerative disease cases have, unfortunately, far outpaced the number of neurologists able to diagnose and treat patients, particularly in rural areas. A recent study highlighted 20 states that were or would become “dementia neurology deserts,” Remote tele-neurology is being introduced to fill the gap. The American Academy of Neurology has announced a new curriculum to train students and…
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Robot “patients” for medical research, training
In addition to robots with increasingly human-like faces, being used as companions, “patient” robots are being developed to test medical equipment and procedures on babies and adults. Yoshio Matsumoto and AIST colleagues created a robotic skeletal structure of the lower half of the body, with 22 moveable joints. Its skeleton is made of metal, and its skin,…
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Prosthetic “skin” senses force, vibration
Jonathan Posner, with University of Washington and UCLA colleagues, has developed a flexible sensor “skin” that can be stretched over prostheses to determine force and vibration. The skin mimics the way a human finger responds to tension and compression, as it slides along a surface or distinguishes among different textures. This could allow users to sense when…
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VR + neurofeedback for movement training after stroke
USC’s Sook-Lei Liew is using VR to help motor-impaired stroke patients promote brain plasticity. The goal is to train them to move their limbs again. Her REINVENT study uses BCI to control an avatar. Electrical signatures of brain activity are meaured with EEG, and muscle activity with EMG. When signals in brain or muscle activity that correspond…
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Pressure sensors generated from pattern-forming bacteria
Paul Ruffin Scarborough, Stefan Zauscher, and Duke colleagues have programmed bacteria with a synthetic gene circuit to turn them into working devices. As a bacterial colony grows into the shape of a hemisphere, the gene circuit triggers the production of a protein, to distribute within the colony, that recruits inorganic materials. Gold nanoparticles enable the…
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Video: Boston VC’s on funding digital health innovation
Video: Flare Capital’s Bill Geary, Bessemer’s Steve Kraus, Oak HC/FT’s Nancy Brown, and Optum Ventures’ Michael Weintraub on funding and commercializing innovation. Recorded at ApplySci’s Digital Health + Neurotech conference at the MIT Media Lab, September 19, 2017 Join ApplySci at Wearable Tech + Digital Health + Neurotech Silicon Valley on February 26-27, 2018 at…
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Ingestible, flexible sensor to diagnose gastrointestinal disorders
Canan Dagdeviren, Giovanni Traverso, Bob Langer, and MIT and Brigham and Women’s colleagues have built a swallowable, flexible sensor that adheres to the stomach wall or intestinal lining to measure digestive track contractions. It could be used to help diagnose gastrointestinal disorders or to monitor food intake. The piezoelectric device generates a current and voltage when…
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Sensor-embedded prosthetic monitors gait, detects infection
Jerome Lynch, with ONR and Walter Reed researchers, has developed a “smart” prosthetic leg, with embedded sensors that monitor a wearer’s gait, the condition of the device, and the risk of infection. The Monitoring OsseoIntegrated Prostheses uses a limb which includes a titanium fixture surgically implanted into the femur. Bone grows at the implant’s connection…
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Piezoelectric sensor determines antibiotic efficacy in 1 hour
Ward Johnson and NIST colleagues have developed a piezoelectric sensor to rapidly determine whether an antibiotic combats an infection. Quartz-crystal resonators, with varying vibrations, measure surface particle changes, to quickly sense mechanical fluctuations of bacterial cells and changes induced by an antibiotic. Results are provided in less than an hour. Current antimicrobial tests require days…
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