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Research brief: Evaluating use of new AI technology in diagnosing COVID-19

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that personalized federated learning may offer an opportunity to develop both internal and externally validated algorithms. This technique enables multiple parties to train AI models collaboratively without exchanging or centralizing data sets, protecting sensitive medical informatio...

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2022

Injectable biomaterial with enhanced mechanical and coagulative capabilities for treating aneurysms

A new injectable hydrogel has been developed with enhanced shear-thinning properties, improved cellular biocompatibility, and significantly reduced clotting times. The biomaterial was created by adding sodium phytate to a gelatin-based compound, promoting even greater cohesion and triggering the initiation of blood coagulation.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2022

Lundquist Institute investigator Dr. Eric Daar and research team find that HIV patients benefit from ingestible sensor technology on HIV Treatment

A study published in The Lancet Ebiomedicine found that HIV patients who used an ingestible sensor system had better antiretroviral therapy adherence and lower viral loads. The research, led by Dr. Eric Daar, showed the technology to be effective in monitoring medication adherence.

SourceThe Lundquist Institute·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2022

Latest neural signals recorded with ABILITY brain-computer interface and new details of the system presented at Society for Neuroscience meeting

The Wyss Center's ABILITY system, a fully implantable brain-computer interface, records neural activity in sheep with high accuracy, decoding fine movement intention from small brain areas. The device is designed to improve quality of life and independence for people with severe paralysis.

Study finds automated texts decrease odds of rehospitalization

Researchers found that patients who received automated text messages from their primary care team after discharge had a significant decrease in hospital readmission (55%) and emergency care use (41%) compared to those who did not receive the texts. This study adds to evidence that connecting with patients through text messaging can hel...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 7, 2022

Artificial intelligence could help ease hospital pressures

A new AI technology has been developed to automatically diagnose lung diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia, freeing up radiographers and reducing waiting times for test results. The system, which uses X-ray imaging and deep learning algorithms, achieved a 98% accuracy rate during extensive testing.

SourceUniversity of the West of Scotland·JournalComputer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 6, 2022

Engineers light the way to nerve-operated prosthetics of the future

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have developed optrodes that can measure neural activity using light, potentially revolutionizing medical technologies like nerve-operated prosthetics. The new approach addresses long-standing issues with impedance mismatch and crosstalk, paving the way for more complex neural networks.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022

Interdisciplinary researchers receive $2M to develop next-generation 3D ultrasound imaging device

Interdisciplinary researchers at the Beckman Institute have received a four-year, $2M award from the National Institutes of Health to develop a device that can instantly enable real-time 3D ultrasound imaging. The device, named FASTER, is designed to improve high-quality medical imaging accessibility in diverse communities.

Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly

Developing a new technology for preventing catheter obstructions in patients with hydrocephaly has been successfully demonstrated in a European project. Concentrating ultrasound waves can detach materials from the inside of shunts implanted in the brains of patients, enabling preventive cleaning without affecting other areas.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalOperative Neurosurgery·DateOct 11, 2022

Overcoming the limitations of conventional medical optical imaging using the world's first “ultrasound-induced tissue transparency” technology!

A joint research team developed the world's first 'ultrasound-induced tissue transparency' technology, enabling deeper observation of biological tissues. The technology increased the maximum imaging depth of optical imaging modalities like confocal fluorescence microscopy by six times.

Treating aneurysms with injectable toothpaste-like biomaterials

Researchers have developed an injectable shear-thinning hydrogel that exhibits enhanced cohesive strength, resisting fragmentation even under pulsating liquid flows. The gel, similar to toothpaste, retains its structure when force is removed, making it a potential breakthrough in treating critical vascular conditions.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 2022

Less trust in AI-suggested preventive care measures than those from health experts, finds NTU Singapore-led study

A study by NTU Singapore found that people have lower trust in health interventions suggested by AI alone, compared to those they perceive as based on human expert opinion. Emphasizing the involvement of a human health expert can improve acceptance and effectiveness of AI-suggested preventive care measures.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateSep 6, 2022

Consortium to develop fully implantable brain-computer interface to enable communication for people with paralysis

A research consortium is developing a unique fully implantable Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) system for people with locked-in syndrome, enabling real-time speech decoding and communication. The BCI will be powered wirelessly and capable of decoding speech in real-time to restore communication in patients with ALS or brainstem stroke.

UMass Amherst researchers pioneer nanoelectronic sensor that simultaneously measures electrical and mechanical activity in heart cells

Researchers from UMass Amherst have created a tiny sensor that can simultaneously measure electrical and mechanical cellular responses in cardiac tissue. This breakthrough device has the potential to lead-edge applications in cardiac-disease experiments and improve health monitoring for cardiac disease studies.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022

Eye test could screen children for autism

Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNeurological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

Feasibility study of novel core-strengthening intervention shows promise for maximizing trunk and balance rehabilitation outcomes after stroke

Researchers tested a core-strengthening program using the AllCore360º to improve trunk function, balance, and mobility after stroke. The study showed promising effects on functional outcomes, including improved lateral control of posture and standardized treatment dosage.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2022

Smart contact lenses for cancer diagnostics and screening

Scientists have developed a smart contact lens that can capture and detect exosomes, nanometer-sized vesicles found in bodily secretions, which hold promise for cancer diagnostics. The lens was designed to bind to antibodies capturing exosomes found in tears, offering a potential platform for non-invasive cancer screening.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Advancing dynamic brain imaging with AI

A new AI-based dynamic brain imaging technology has been introduced by Carnegie Mellon University, which can map out rapidly changing electrical activity in the brain with high precision and speed. The technology uses deep learning approaches to translate scalp EEG signals back to neural circuit activity without human intervention.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2022

Research team receives $7 million funding award to study most effective way of sharing clinic visit information with older adults

A Dartmouth-led research team will assess the effectiveness of visit information provided to older adult patients and caregivers in improving quality of life. The CHRONICLE Trial aims to determine whether audio recordings or written summaries are more effective in sharing healthcare visit information.

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers improve the scanning capability of magnetic particle imaging systems used for medical imaging

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers have developed a rabbit-scale three-dimensional magnetic particle imaging system that can scan large volumes at high resolution. The system uses amplitude modulation to minimize peripheral nerve stimulation while maintaining high image quality.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Melanoma thickness equally hard for algorithms and dermatologists to judge

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that assessing melanoma thickness is challenging for both human dermatologists and machine-learning algorithms. Despite differences in success rates, both groups achieved comparable results when evaluating dermoscopic images, highlighting the need for further study to improve diagnost...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

IVI kicks off first ‘Introductory Course for Biologics Development and Manufacturing’ to train 117 people from 25 LMICs on July 18

The International Vaccine Institute (IVI) has launched a two-week training course for biologics development and manufacturing, targeting low- and middle-income countries. The program aims to enhance local production of vaccines and biologics in LMICs to address vaccine inequity and global pandemic preparedness.

Wireless activation of targeted brain circuits in less than one second

Researchers from Rice University, Duke University, Brown University and Baylor College of Medicine developed a magnetic technology to wirelessly control neural circuits in fruit flies. They used genetic engineering to express heat-sensitive ion channels in neurons that control the behavior, and iron nanoparticles to activate the channels.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

New paper from University Hospitals examines transfusion utilization and appropriateness: Thinking differently at a tertiary academic medical center

Researchers from University Hospitals developed a transfusion appropriateness algorithm to analyze blood transfusions for adult patients. The algorithm led to a decrease in transfusions and an increase in appropriate use, resulting in cost savings of $2.5 million over 12 months.

SourceUniversity Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center·JournalPhysician Leadership Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

Smart implants to monitor healing

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed self-powered smart implants that can monitor spinal fusion healing in real-time. The implants use a new class of multifunctional mechanical metamaterials to record pressure and stresses, generating their own power and providing crucial information about the healing process.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 23, 2022

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop new tool that brings missing sense of touch to minimally-invasive surgery procedures

Researchers from NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a simple yet effective approach for on-demand tactile sensing in minimally-invasive surgery. The Smart Laparoscopic Forceps (SLF) system measures grasping force and angle, providing surgeons with relative stiffness index of tissue to help with decision-making during operations.

SourceNew York University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateJun 23, 2022