Tag: Featured
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Magnetic coils might improve neural prostheses
Neocortex stimulation is used to treat neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease and paralysis. Current electrode-based implants have limited efficacy. It is difficult to create precise patterns of neural activity, or to achieve consistent responses over time. This can be addressed by magnetic stimulation, but until now, coils small enough to be implanted into the cortex…
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Sensors inform skilled nursing care
IBM has partnered with Avamere skilled nursing facilities to sudy the use of cognitive computing to improve caregiver knowledge and actions. By embedding sensors that gather physical and environmental data in senior living facilities, Avamere hopes to reduce hospital admission rates. Patient movement, air quality, gait analysis and other fall risk factors, personal hygiene, sleeping…
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Robots support neural and physical rehab in stroke, cerebral palsy
Georgia Tech’s Ayanna Howard has developed Darwin, a socially interactive robot that encourages children to play an active role in physical therapy. Specific targeting children with cerebral palsy (who are involved in current studies), autism, or tbi, the robot is designed to function in the home, to supplement services provided by clinicians. It engages users…
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Sensor detects HIV in first week of infection
Spanish National Research Council researchers have developed a biosensor that detects the p24 antigen protein at concentrations 100,000 times lower than in current techniques. This has enabled the creation of a test that can detect HIV in the blood within one week of infection. It takes 5 hours, offering results the same day. The inexpensive sensor combines…
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MRI, algorithm predict autism before behavioral symptoms appear
UNC’s Heather Hazlett has published a study showing that an overgrowth in brain volume, determined by MRI scans during the first year of life, forecasts whether a child at high risk of developing autism. The goal is to give parents the opportunity to intervene long before behavioral symptoms become obvious, which usually occurs between ages…
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Dopamine sensor tracks single neurons
MIT’s Michael Strano has developed a carbon nanotube based detector that can track single cells’ secretion of dopamine. Using 20,000 sensor arrays, the team monitored dopamine secretion of single neurons, allowing them better understand dopamine dynamics. Unlike most other neurotransmitters, dopamine can exert its effects beyond the synapse. Not all dopamine released into a synapse is…
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Toward a speech-driven auditory Brain Computer Interface
University of Oldenburg student Carlos Filipe da Silva Souto is in the early stages of developing a brain computer interface that can advise a user who he/she is listening to in a noisy room. Wearers could focus on specific conversations, and tune out background noise. Most BCI studies have focused on visual stimuli, which typically outperforms…
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AI assistant addresses specific needs of seniors
ElliQ is AI assistant that intuitively interacts with seniors to support independent living. The NLP based system enables users to make video calls, play games, and use social media. Music, TED talks, audio books,and other content is recommended, after machine learning tools analyze user preferences (or caregiver input is received.) Physical activity is suggested after…
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3D-bioprinted human skin can replace animal testing, potentially be used in burns
José Luis Jorcano at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid has developed a 3D bioprinter capable of replicating the structure of skin. The human-like skin that is produced includes an epidermal layer that protects against the environment, and a collagen-producing dermis that provides elasticity and strength. The bioink material contains human plasma, and primary human fibroblasts…
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Sensor, data, and AI-driven primary care
Forward has brought advanced technology to well-care. Patient/Members are integrated into the practice with a baseline screening via body scans, blood and genetic tests. They are then given consumer and medical wearables, which work with proprietary algorithms, for continuous monitoring (and access to data), personalized treatment, and emergency alerts. Physical exam rooms display all of the data…
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Machine learning tools predict heart failure
Declan O’Regan and MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences colleagues believe that AI can predict when pulmonary hypertension patients require more aggressive treatment to prevent death. In a recent study, machine learning software automatically analyzed moving images of a patient’s heart, captured during an MRI. It then used image processing to build a “virtual 3D heart”,…
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Consumer wearable + medical monitor track exercise’s impact on glucose
Consumer wearables can complement medical devices by integrating activity data into a disease management strategy. Fitbit movement data will now be used with a Medtronic diabetes management tool, with the goal of users predicting the impact of exercise on glucose levels. Diabetics can monitor glucose with Medtronic’s iPro2 system continuously for 6 days. Fitbit data will…