Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Decision support systems may improve quality of patient surgical care

A study published in Anesthesiology found that a novel operating room software system improved management of lung ventilation in patients during surgery, but did not affect postoperative outcomes. The system provides a 'live' schematic organ system view and digital alerts to aid physicians in decision-making.

SourceAmerican Society of Anesthesiologists·JournalAnesthesiology·DateJan 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Speech analysis software predicted psychosis in at-risk patients with up to 83 percent accuracy

A computer-based language classifier predicted psychosis in at-risk youths with up to 83% accuracy, identifying disturbances in speech flow and tangential thinking as indicative of psychosis. The technology has the potential to improve prediction and prevention of psychosis by targeting cognitive deficits.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalWorld Psychiatry·DateJan 22, 2018

Default setting in electronic medical records 'nudged' emergency department physicians to limit opioid prescriptions to 10 tablets

A new study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that implementing a default option for lower opioid tablet quantities in electronic medical records increased compliance with prescribing guidelines, resulting in fewer prescriptions written for larger quantities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 17, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Study says some nursing homes gaming the system to improve their Medicare star ratings

A new study by Florida Atlantic University found that some nursing homes in California inflate their self-assessment reporting to improve their Medicare star ratings. The researchers identified key predictors of inflating ratings, including financial gain and lack of direct correlation with on-site inspection results.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJan 17, 2018

New CONIX Research Center to HQ at Carnegie Mellon University

CONIX Research Center aims to develop novel architectures for large-scale, distributed computing systems with implications for social interaction, smart buildings and infrastructure. The center will create a substrate for networked computing that connects edge devices to the cloud, enabling performance, security, and privacy guarantees.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJan 16, 2018

Stingray soft robot could lead to bio-inspired robotics

Researchers developed a soft robot that mimics the stingray's flattened body shape and side fins, enabling the creation of bio-electromechanical systems. The robot features living heart cells, biomaterials, and flexible electrodes, allowing it to 'flap' its fins.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 12, 2018

Experts call for action to address physician burnout in nephrology

A group of articles highlights the factors threatening job satisfaction and high-quality care delivery among nephrology specialists. Experts propose measures to improve professional lives, including fellowship training reform, practice transformation, and creating a stronger community of nephrologists.

SourceAmerican Society of Nephrology·JournalClinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateJan 11, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

How do we taste sugar, bacon and coffee? Science finds a surprising answer

Researchers found that TRPM4 performs a similar role to TRPM5 in the taste system, enabling the detection of sweet, bitter and umami foods. This discovery challenges existing dogma and has implications for understanding human health and regulating appetite.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 8, 2018

World first multimodal biomicroscopic system enhances the accuracy of cancer treatment

A Korean research team developed a world-first multimodal biomicroscopic system to analyze tumor characteristics and improve cancer resection techniques. The system combines optical multispectral imaging, high-frequency ultrasound, and radiation force imaging to detect tumors at high resolution.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 7, 2018

Making waves

A new approach identifies and measures changes in thousands of proteins as Xenopus eggs undergo fertilization, revealing details of protein destruction and release to prevent multiple fertilization. This method enables comprehensive analyses of protein dynamics and sheds light on cellular changes driving disease.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Three Duke biomedical engineers join National Academy of Inventors

Duke University's Department of Biomedical Engineering faculty members Joseph Izatt, Nimmi Ramanujam and Tuan Vo-Dinh have been elected to the National Academy of Inventors for their work on optical imaging, spectroscopy and photonics-based health technologies. Their research has led to significant advancements in medical diagnostics, ...

SourceDuke University·DateDec 12, 2017

'Black box' recorder puts surgeons' robotic surgery skills under the microscope

Researchers at Keck Medicine of USC used a custom recording tool to evaluate surgeon proficiency in robotic-assisted prostate cancer surgery. The 'black box' recorder captured data on time, distance, and camera movements, allowing experts to identify novice and expert surgeons with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Urology·DateDec 11, 2017
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

When the doctor's away

A study published in JAMA found that patients treated by substitute doctors had similar death rates as those treated by regular hospital staff. However, hospitals that used substitute physicians less often had poorer patient mortality outcomes, possibly due to geographic remoteness or limited financial resources.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateDec 5, 2017

Entangling biological systems

A Northwestern University team creates quantum entanglement from a biological system using green fluorescent proteins. This finding advances scientists' understanding of biology and opens doors to exploit quantum mechanics for new applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2017

Medicare shift to quality over quantity presents challenges

A new study found that even large physician practices struggle with the new payment system, and those that don't report data face significant financial penalties. The researchers suggest improving infrastructure to support smaller practices and reducing the burden on reporting performance data.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalHealth Affairs·DateDec 4, 2017
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Does physician age influence the likelihood of patient complaints?

A study found that younger ophthalmologists were more likely to be associated with patient complaints compared to their older colleagues. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center's Patient Advocacy Reporting System was used to analyze patient complaints between 2002 and 2015.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateNov 30, 2017

A 'half-hearted' solution to one-sided heart failure

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed a soft robotic system that can provide isolated support to the right or left ventricle, addressing one-sided heart failure. The system combines rigid bracing with soft robotic actuators to help diseased heart chambers pump blood effectively.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Robotics·DateNov 22, 2017

Digital pills successfully monitor opioid use after injury

A pilot study of 15 individuals using oxycodone digital pills found that patients self-administered opioids for only a brief period and took a fraction of the prescribed dose. The technology may enable physicians to monitor adherence and identify escalating opioid use patterns, potentially reducing the risk of addiction.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalAnesthesia & Analgesia·DateNov 20, 2017

Sight-saving imaging technology secures funding

The University of Liverpool's Ultra-Sensitive Optical Coherence Tomography (Ultra-OCT) system is developing a state-of-the-art imaging technology to revolutionise the detection, diagnosis, and management of corneal eye conditions. The system boasts a resolution of 2 micrometres and can scan 1,000 times faster than existing OCT machines.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·DateNov 16, 2017

Five health indicators are enough to predict cardiovascular risk in healthy people

A new study finds that a simple tool, Fuster-BEWAT score, can predict cardiovascular risk in healthy individuals using five health indicators: blood pressure, physical activity, body-mass index, fruit and vegetable intake, and smoking status. The Fuster-BEWAT score is as effective as the American Heart Association-recommended ICHS index.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 13, 2017
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

HKBU Chinese medicine scholars develop HKBU Chinese medicine scholars develop

Researchers at Hong Kong Baptist University have developed a novel targeted delivery system for CRISPR/Cas9 to achieve therapeutic genome editing of VEGFA in osteosarcoma. The aptamer-functionalised lipopolymer delivery system successfully delivered CRISPR/Cas9 to tumor cells, inhibiting malignancy and angiogenesis.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalBiomaterials·DateNov 10, 2017

Four reasons that could explain ACOs' sluggish savings

The study highlights four reasons for the failure of ACOs to achieve savings: economic barriers such as weak incentives and lack of patients, and organizational challenges like knowledge development needs and complexity. The authors recommend a flexible approach to motivating providers.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 8, 2017

Study: Lupus patients endorse PROMIS assessment tool as relevant, valuable and potentially useful in improving clinical care

PROMIS is a patient-reported outcomes measurement system that evaluates physical, psychological, and social well-being to provide information on the subjective patient experience. Lupus patients endorse PROMIS assessments as reflecting their experience with lupus, highlighting its potential utility in validating symptoms, tracking dise...

SourceHospital for Special Surgery·DateNov 6, 2017

Computer program helps doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier to save lives

A new computer program has been developed to help doctors detect acute kidney injury earlier, reducing its severity and improving survival rates. The program, which was tested in over half a million patients, showed a significant reduction in hospital mortality, length of stay, and dialysis rates.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 2, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

New study: Innovative heart device is safe and effective

A new study has found that a pioneering heart valve repair device is safe and effective, reducing the need for open-heart procedures and resulting in improved quality and frequency of repairs. The Harpoon Mitral Valve Repair System repaired the heart while it continued to beat, with no deaths or major complications.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Medical Center·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 1, 2017

New method helps rule out heart valve infection

Researchers developed a risk assessment system, HANDOC, to identify patients with streptococcal bacteria who need echocardiography for potential heart valve infection. The system showed good reliability in distinguishing high and low-risk patients.

SourceLund University·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateOct 25, 2017

'Choosing Wisely' movement: Off to a good start, but change needed for continued success

The Choosing Wisely movement has successfully started conversations about low-value care, but its impact is limited by the difficulty in changing doctor behavior. Researchers recommend prioritizing recommendations, consolidating guidelines, and evaluating efforts to make a greater difference in quality and value in healthcare.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalHealth Affairs·DateOct 24, 2017

Portland State study calls for new approach to studying concussion

The study advocates for a holistic approach to understanding concussion, analyzing complex problems as whole systems and integrating research findings. Researchers hope this new method will lead to better diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of TBI.

SourcePortland State University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Augmented tongue ultrasound for speech therapy

A team of researchers developed a system that displays tongue movements in real time, using machine learning algorithms to control an articulatory talking head. This 'visual biofeedback' system can help patients with articulation disorders correct pronunciation problems faster.

SourceCNRS·JournalSpeech Communication·DateOct 13, 2017

New system proposed for logging physician experience in robotic surgeries

A new web-based program called RoboLog has been developed to improve the reporting of robotic surgeries performed by surgeons in training. The system provides detailed information about a resident's involvement in robotic surgeries, allowing for more accurate assessment of their competency and earlier identification of deficits.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Surgical Education·DateSep 26, 2017

Rapid imaging of granular matter

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new technique using magnetic resonance imaging to study granular systems, enabling real-time imaging and measurement of particle velocities. This breakthrough has potential applications in fields such as carbon capture and could lead to higher efficiency and energy savings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 21, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Life-long blood production depends on hundreds of cells that form prior to birth

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that hundreds of precursor cells, not just a handful, are involved in establishing the blood system before birth. This discovery has clinical implications, as understanding how the blood system emerges can help unravel the origins of disease and identify susceptible cells.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateSep 18, 2017

Telemedicine visits save families time and money

A study by Nemours Children's Health System found that telemedicine visits for sports medicine appointments saved patients and families an average of $50 in travel costs and 51 minutes in waiting time. Each telemedicine visit also reduced the health system's costs by $24 per patient.

SourceNemours·DateSep 15, 2017

September/October 2017 Annals of Family Medicine

Primary care physicians spend an average of 355 minutes (5.9 hours) per day in the EHR, including 269 minutes during clinic hours and 86 minutes after hours. This excessive time spent on clerical tasks can lead to burnout and decreased productivity. The study suggests that solutions like proactive planned care, team-based care, and sha...

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 12, 2017

Patients to benefit from new 3-D visualizations of the heart

Researchers have developed a new technique to visualize the human cardiac conduction system in 3D, providing unprecedented details. This technology will aid cardiologists in placing prosthetic valves near the heart's conduction system, reducing risks and improving surgical outcomes for patients with congenital heart diseases.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 11, 2017
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Measuring the cost of quality measurement

The current approach to quality measurement in healthcare is characterized by inefficiency and imbalance, with measures that are duplicative, overlapping, or overrepresent certain areas of care. A lack of consideration for the cost of each measure hinders the ability to assess its value.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalJAMA·DateAug 31, 2017

Two distinct brain regions have independent influence on decision-making

Research at Mount Sinai Hospital identified two distinct brain areas involved in decision-making: the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). Monkeys with OFC lesions lost ability to track reward probability, while those with VLPFC lesions showed preference for M&Ms.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateAug 30, 2017
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Using machine learning to improve patient care

Researchers developed a machine-learning approach called ICU Intervene that takes large amounts of ICU data to determine treatments for different symptoms. The system uses deep learning to make real-time predictions, learning from past cases to suggest critical care interventions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 21, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Online team-based game helps patients with diabetes lower blood glucose

A randomized, controlled clinical trial found that an online team-based game improved glucose control in veteran patients with type 2 diabetes. Participants who played the game had significant reductions in hemoglobin A1c levels, with those having severe diabetes experiencing the greatest improvement.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalDiabetes Care·DateAug 8, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New noninvasive method of intracranial pressure monitoring

Researchers developed a noninvasive ICP monitoring device using advanced signal analysis algorithms. The study showed strong association between noninvasive and invasive methods, with good correlation between ICP values.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateAug 8, 2017

Scientists reveal source of human heartbeat in 3-D

A team of scientists has developed a way to produce 3D data showing the cardiac conduction system, enabling more accurate computer models of the heartbeat. This breakthrough will improve our understanding of troublesome heart rhythms like atrial fibrillation and help surgeons design operations with less risk of damaging precious tissue.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 4, 2017

Biofeedback technology helping improve balance in Parkinson's patients

Researchers developed a smartphone-based biofeedback rehabilitation system to guide patients through balance exercises, showing noticeable improvements in postural stability and reducing the risk of falls. The custom wearable belt uses vibrating actuators to provide personalized guidance, mapped in real-time on a smartphone application.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 31, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.