Category: Healthcare

Draganfly Inc. announced last week that it has completed the initial flights for a proof-of-concept drone delivery project in collaboration with Mass General Brigham (MGB) Home Hospital. The initial phase of this research and development initiative focused on evaluating and mapping potential drone delivery routes, in partnership with MGB and regulatory bodies. The test flights, which included takeoffs and landings within the hospital’s infrastructure, marked a significant milestone, though they were not yet involved in actual care delivery.

The primary goal of this initiative is to explore how drone deliveries can provide timely access to critical medical supplies and laboratory samples, thus minimizing the delays typically caused by traditional logistics methods. The first phase of the project, concentrated around the greater Boston metropolitan area, is designed to test Draganfly’s proprietary drone technology in addressing key healthcare logistics challenges, particularly in reducing delays caused by traffic congestion and outdated delivery processes.

Continue reading… “Draganfly Launches Drone Delivery Pilot with Mass General Brigham to Revolutionize Healthcare Logistics”

Researchers at Binghamton University, State University of New York (SUNY), have developed a groundbreaking wearable microbial fuel cell technology designed to reduce the risk of infection in wounds. This innovative “living dressing” incorporates Bacillus subtilis, a spore-forming bacterium commonly found in the traditional Japanese fermented soybean dish, natto. By integrating this beneficial microbe into a wearable microbial fuel cell, the dressing not only generates electricity to stimulate wound healing but also produces antibacterial agents to combat infections.

The dressing harnesses the power of the wound’s own exudate—a nutrient-rich fluid produced by wounds—to fuel the microbial cell. This dual-action approach addresses two major challenges in wound care: the growing concern of antibiotic resistance and the difficulty in eradicating biofilms, which are colonies of bacteria that are highly resistant to traditional treatments. Unlike topical antibiotics, which can disrupt the balance of beneficial microbes on the skin, this new dressing maintains a healthy skin microbiome while effectively combating harmful pathogens.

Continue reading… “Innovative Wearable Dressing Combines Microbial Power and Antibacterial Defense for Enhanced Wound Healing”

Every day, the realm of AI presents us with a barrage of breakthroughs and advancements, permeating every facet of our lives. But beyond the buzz of social media lies a profound reality: AI is reshaping the landscape of healthcare and personal well-being.

The potential of AI in the medical domain is vast and transformative. With the ability to swiftly process data and make informed decisions in real-time, AI algorithms hold the promise of revolutionizing healthcare as we know it.

Continue reading… “Unlocking the Future: AI’s Role in Healthcare Revolution”

Researchers from the Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC) have developed a groundbreaking gene therapy approach that could provide hope for patients with familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL), an inherited immune deficiency characterized by severe systemic hyperinflammation.

The study, titled “Precise CRISPR-Cas9 gene repair in autologous memory T cells to treat familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis,” focuses on repairing mutations in T cells from a mouse model of FHL and two pediatric patients with the condition. The researchers utilized a CRISPR-Cas9 system based on adeno-associated virus (AAV), demonstrating successful repair and paving the way for potential clinical applications in FHL patients and other primary immunodeficiencies with monogenic T cells.

Continue reading… “Breakthrough Gene Therapy Approach Shows Promise for Treating Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis”

Cavities may soon become a relic of the past, thanks to a recent breakthrough in pediatric dental care. A pioneering study by experts at the NYU College of Dentistry has unveiled a highly effective and more accessible method for preventing cavities in children: silver diamine fluoride (SDF).

This groundbreaking research demonstrates that SDF can reduce the risk of cavities by an impressive 80%, with a remarkable 50% success rate in halting the progression of existing cavities. Unlike traditional dental sealants, which typically require a dentist or dental hygienist, SDF can be conveniently applied by a dental nurse, potentially transforming the landscape of cavity prevention and increasing accessibility.

Continue reading… “Revolutionizing Pediatric Dental Care: Silver Diamine Fluoride Emerges as a Powerful Cavity Preventive”

As nations across the globe brace for an impending surge in their aging populations, a profound shift in elderly care approaches is underway. From Japan to the United States, the challenge of supporting an ever-increasing number of seniors looms large. Overcrowded nursing homes and staffing shortages underscore the urgency to seek alternative solutions for aging with dignity. Amid this landscape, a promising contender emerges: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

David Moss, CEO and co-founder of Care Daily, envisions a future where healthcare is personalized and centered within the home. Care Daily, a pioneering B2B AI SaaS (Software as a Service) company, stands at the forefront of this revolution. Their creation, the AI Caregiver, serves as a sophisticated software that orchestrates a symphony of devices and products. It gathers a wealth of behavioral and biometric data, seamlessly transmitting insights to both family caregivers and professional healthcare providers.

Continue reading… “Revolutionizing Elderly Care: The Role of AI in Independent Living”

GigXR, a pioneering company, has unveiled an innovative approach to integrating medical imaging into healthcare education. This cutting-edge technology, referred to as ‘hyper-immersive,’ is designed to empower nursing and medical students by enhancing their ability to visualize and interpret medical imaging scans with remarkable accuracy.

Unlike other scientific fields that have benefited from technological advancements, conventional medical imaging in healthcare institutions has lagged behind. GigXR’s breakthrough technology harnesses the power of eXtended Reality (XR), a high-fidelity immersive technology encompassing virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. By deepening anatomy and pathophysiology knowledge, GigXR has created immersive digital experiences that enable learners to connect key concepts across various courses and disciplines.

Continue reading… “GigXR Revolutionizes Medical Education with Hyper-Immersive Imaging Integration”

Ingestible video capsule endoscopes have been revolutionizing medical diagnostics, but their limitations in control and movement have hindered their full potential. However, researchers at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences have recently unveiled a groundbreaking solution: a pill-shaped capsule named NaviCam, which can be remotely controlled throughout the digestive system, offering a promising alternative to traditional endoscopy.

The NaviCam employs an external magnet and video game-style joysticks, allowing physicians to steer the miniature video capsule with precision. By visualizing and capturing images of potential problem areas, this technology presents an innovative approach to screening for health issues such as ulcers or stomach cancer in the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Andrew Meltzer, a professor of Emergency Medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, highlighted the advantages of magnetically controlled capsules over invasive procedures, stating, “A traditional endoscopy is an invasive procedure for patients, not to mention it is costly due to the need for anesthesia and time off work.” The introduction of magnetically controlled capsules could provide a quick and non-invasive method for health problem screening.

Continue reading… “Breakthrough in Remote-Controlled Ingestible Video Capsule Technology Expands Diagnostic Possibilities”

A team of engineers from Stanford University has achieved a significant breakthrough in the field of wearable technology with their creation of a soft electronic skin that directly communicates sensory information to the wearable tech, surpassing previous iterations that relied on external devices. The Stanford experts have also showcased a spray-on skin capable of understanding hand gestures and a smart bandage that transmits wound-healing progress to a CPU.

While previous electronic skins transferred data to chips or external devices, the soft e-skin developed by the Stanford team converts temperature and pressure sensations into electrical signals suitable for direct communication with the brain. This innovation mirrors the nerve impulses generated when the skin’s nerve endings perceive sensations.

Continue reading… “Stanford Engineers Develop Soft Electronic Skin for Direct Brain Communication””

The wearable ultrasound sensor is roughly the size of a postage stamp, can be worn for up to 24 hours, and works even during strenuous exercise.

By Dr. Chinta Sidharthan

In a recent article published in the journal Nature, a team of researchers described a wearable ultrasonic device that allows cardiac function to be assessed directly in real-time, with improved coupling between human skin and the device, making the examination of the left ventricle during motion possible from different views.

The continuous monitoring of cardiac function is essential for detecting cardiac dysfunction and managing cardiovascular disease in surgical and critically affected patients. However, the real-time measurement of cardiovascular health is difficult with existing non-invasive methods, either due to the bulkiness of the devices or because wearable devices can only detect the signals on the skin.

Continue reading… “A wearable ultrasound sensor provides real-time cardiac imaging”

By Giles Bruce

A “headline-grabbing” health system/digital health company merger? Less digital health investment from hospitals? More virtual healthcare workers to meet staffing shortages?

These are some of the predictions health system chief digital officers made for the industry in 2023. Here are those digital health forecasts for the new year, as told to Becker’s by nine executives:

Continue reading… “Virtual nurses, bots, AI: Digital health predictions for ’23”