Scientist-led conferences at Harvard, Stanford and MIT
-
Speech app detects bipolar mood swings early
PRIORI is an android app that monitors subtle voice changes to detect bipolar mood swings. It was developed by Zahi Karam, Emily Mower Provost and Melvin McInnis at the University of Michigan. The hope is to anticipate swings before they happen, and intervene. PRIORI was inspired by the families of bipolar patients, who often were first…
-
Nanoparticle enabled simultaneous imaging to monitor disease
MIT‘s Jeremiah Johnson is developing nanoparticles that can simultaneously perform MRI and fluorescent imaging in animals. The goal is to allow scientists to track specific molecules produced in the body, monitor a tumor’s environment, or determine whether drugs have successfully reached their targets. A recent study used the particles to track vitamin C in mice. Where there was…
-
Carbon nanotube artificial retina restores light sensitivity
Tel Aviv University, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Newcastle University researchers are developing an artificial retina that sends sensory signals to the brain to address vision loss. Several groups are attempting this, but have had issues with metallic parts, cumbersome wiring, or a low resolution outcome. The TAU, HUJI and Newcastle team is working on…
-
Pressure ulcer prevention sensor
Pressure ulcers are a sad reality in hospitals, causing pain, infections, and worse. Hospitals struggle to determine when a patient must be moved for prevention. The Leaf patient sensor automates and prioritizes turning schedules for large groups of patients. Its tri-axial accelerometer monitors patient position, alerts when assisted turns are necessary and confirms that adequate turns…
-
Samsung moves from fitness tracking to health monitoring
Samsung’s Simband represents the company’s shift from fitness tracking to health monitoring, allowing medical startups and researchers to develop sensor applications. Simband is equipped with six sensors: electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, galvanic skin response, accelerometer, and thermometer. Developers can also add proprietary sensors. The wearable’s three main functions are called “trends,” “monitor,” and “spot check.” Trends displays one’s data…
-
Bluetooth headset guides the visually impaired
Microsoft is collaborating with Guide Dogs for the Blind and AfterShokz on Cities Unlocked, a prototype headset, smartphone and navigation system for the visually impaired. The technology helps a user find his/her way, describes potential hazards, such as low-hanging trees, and highlights attractions, including restaurants, on the route. The headset uses bone-conducting audio that does not…
-
Hundreds of diseases diagnosed with single drop of blood
Dr. Eugene Chan and colleagues at the DNA Medical Institute have won the Nokia XPrize for rHEALTH — a portable handheld device that can diagnose hundreds of diseases using a single drop of blood. Flu, pneumonia or even Ebola can be detected in a few minutes. A vital sign patch monitors EKG, heart rate, body temperature —…
-
Smartwatch keeps seniors independent
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…
-
UP3 – fitness tracker or medical monitor?
As fitness tracker features become increasingly similar to those of medical devices, Jawbone will release a powerful, fashionable, sensor based wristband. The UP3 will be stylish, with its Chanel-like quilt pattern and slim form. It will also include multiple temperature and motion sensors, and four electrodes that send electrical signals into wrist tissue. Using bioimpedance analysis, the…
-
Reversing time improves cancer tissue imaging
Washington University professor Lihong Wang has developed a time-reversal technology that allows researchers to better focus light in tissue. The photo acoustic imaging combines light with acoustic waves to form a sharper image, several centimeters into the skin. Current high-resolution optical imaging technology allows researchers to see only 1 millimeter deep. The time-reversed adapted-perturbation (TRAP) optical focusing sends…
-
Hotels offer wearable sleep monitors
As the Internet of Things mainstreams, Westin has partnered with Lark Technologies to offer sleep sensors to monitor and improve sleep quality. Guests receive a Lark Up Sleep Monitor, a Silent Alarm Clock and a Personal Sleep Coach during their stay, in an attempt to achieve optimal sleep through pattern tracking and virtual coaching.
-
AI system mimics human short term memory
Google’s DeepMind has unveiled a prototype computer that attempts to mimic properties of the human brain’s short-term memory. It is a neural network that works with an external memory, resulting in a computer that learns as it stores memories and can later retrieve them to perform logical tasks beyond those it has been trained to…
Got any book recommendations?