Tag: Featured
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Multiple wearable sensors predict illness
Stanford’s Michael Snyder has published the results of a health wearable study, in which 2 billion measurements were taken from 60 subjects, concluding that such devices can be used to predict illness. Continuous biosensor data, plus blood chemistry, gene expression and other tests, were included. Participants wore 1-7 commercial wearables, which collected more than 250,000…
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Alexa solidifies NLP’s role in smart homes, cars. Is senior care next?
Amazon’s Alexa is the deserved star of CES. Lights, thermostats, air purifiers, cars, refrigerators, other appliances, and baby monitors are examples of interfaces solidifying the natural voice processing-driven future of the world. Amazon now has the opportunity to enhance the lives of those aging in place. Its development of senior citizen focused applications is lagging. Alexa has the…
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Ultra-flexible transistor for discreet, continuous health monitoring
Stanford professor Zhenan Bao‘s latest bioelectronic innovation has disrupted wearable technology as we know it. The ultra-flexible transistor can be stretched to twice its length, without losing conductivity. Conductors are confined inside an extremely thin, flexible polymer material, ideal for adhesive or tiny wearables. Digital health applications are unlimited — providing discreet, continuous, and…
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Video games studied to treat late-life depression
UCSF’s Joaquin Anguera and UW’s Patricia Arean have published a study detailing the use of video games to treat late life depression. They claim that the EVO interface targets underlying cognitive issues associated with depression, and does not simply manage systems. The game, developed by Akili, is meant to improve focus and attention at a “basic neurological…
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Sensor dramatically improves MRI resolution
ETH professor Klaas Prussmann has developed technology to improve MRI accuracy by detecting tiny changes in magnetic fields. An MRI’s strong magnetic field, which makes it difficult for sensors to detect up small details. Prussmann’s integrated digital radio receiver addresses this by decreasing background noise significantly. In a recent paper, he said: “In addition to…
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Non-invasive nanosystem detects disease in breath
Technion professor Hossam Haick has developed a nanosystem that can identify the breath signatures of many diseases, including kidney failure, lung cancer, Crohn’s disease, MS, prostate and ovarian cancer. Each compound’s relative abundance in a person’s breath is assessed, and disease signatures are compared against healthy individuals. In a recent study, using mass spectrometry analysis, specific compound signatures…
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Prosthesis-integrated sensor detects infections early
Infections in prostheses, for amputees, and in joint replacements, are common, often found too late, and can necessitate additional surgeries or worse complications. Current detection methods include MRI, CT, and X-ray. Ken Loh and UCSD colleagues have developed an infection detecting prosthesis coating + imaging technique that could be used at home or in a…
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BCI controlled robotic arm; no implant required
University of Minnesota professor Bin He has created a brain computer interface to control a robotic arm with out an implant. In a recent study, EEG alone was used to allow 8 people to move objects in a complex 3D environment. Combined with advanced signal processing and machine learning, thoughts were turned into actions. 64…
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Tiny wearable sensor measures blood flow
Kyocera has developed a tiny optical sensor to measure blood flow volume in subcutaneous tissue, meant to be integrated into a phone or wearable. Potential applications include monitoring stress and preventing dehydration, heat stroke, and altitude sickness. The device will be used in/on an ear, finger or forehead, to measure the velocity-driven frequency of reflected…
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Non-invasive visual stimulation to treat Alzheimer’s disease
Cognito Therapeutics is developing a device-driven approach to Alzheimer’s treatment. Based on research by MIT’s Ed Boyden, globally recognized for his work in optogenetics, and Li-Hue Tsai, director of the Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, flickering-light stimulation has been used to restore gamma oscillation in the brains of the mice. This activated microglia cells to remove…
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Sensors + robotics + AI for safer aging in place
IBM and rice University are developing MERA — a Waston enabled robot meant to help seniors age in place. The system comprises a Pepper robot interface, Watson, and Rice’s CameraVitals project, which calculates vital signs by recording video of a person’s face. Vitals are measured multiple times each day. Caregivers are informed if the the camera and/or accelerometer detect…
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Self regulating patch optimizes blood thinner delivery
UNC and NC State researchers have developed a promising, self-regulating, Heparin releasing patch, meant to optimize levels of the blood thinner in one’s body. It has only been tested on animals, but was found to be more effective at preventing thrombosis than traditional drug delivery methods. Current protocol requires regular blood testing, to prevent hemorrhaging…