Author: Daniel Onyango

Google scientists have developed a revolutionary AI model to diagnose diseases from coughing and breathing sounds. Known as Health Acoustic Representations (HeAR), the bioacoustic foundation model introduced by the tech giant earlier this year will help researchers build AI tools capable of analyzing sound patterns to produce health insights critical for diagnosing various illnesses. The HeAR model has been trained on vast data, including 300 million pieces of audio-based data drawn from a diverse and de-identified dataset and about 100 million cough sounds. According to Google scientists, the model, currently available for researchers, captures significant patterns in health acoustic data…

Researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, have discovered a new way of accurately measuring metabolic health using artificial intelligence (AI) and a 3D body scanner initially developed for clothing designs. According to a news report published by Cardiovascular Business, the new approach can help evaluate one’s metabolic health precisely and identify potential risks of diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses, and other adverse cardiovascular conditions. Unlike the traditional waist-to-hip ratio or the widely used body mass index (BMI), the new technique, whose findings were shared in the European Heart Journal – Digital Health, has proven to give more accurate results about…

A leading medical technology company focusing on continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) technology, DexCom, has launched the first ever over-the-counter (OTC) glucose biosensor in the US market. Known as Stelo, the wearable allows users to monitor glucose levels in real-time via a smartphone app, eliminating the need for a traditional invasive fingerstick. By displaying the glucose readings directly on the smartphone, users can understand how sleep, food, and exercise affect their glucose levels. With this valuable insight, the device empowers users to make well-informed lifestyle choices beneficial to their well-being. DexCom’s new glucose biosensor provides millions of Americans suffering from type…

Over-the-counter syphilis test kits could soon be available across the US after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) handed market authorization for NowDiognostics’ first-at-home syphilis blood test kit, allowing the company to sell it to consumers without needing a prescription. The test was approved through the FDA’s de novo pathway, with similar products expected to follow the agency’s 510(k) pathway, which provides a less rigorous approval process. Known as the “First To Know Syphilis Test,” the antibody test can detect syphilis infection from a single blood drop and give results within 15 minutes. However, the FDA noted in their approval…

Researchers in China have developed an AI model that can accurately diagnose pediatric eye disorders in children by analyzing smartphone images. As reported by CBS News, the AI model was trained using over 1400 facial images taken from over 500 children. Based on the images it was trained on, the model can accurately detect three common eye defects: – Myopia, or nearsightedness – Strabismus, or “crossed eyes” – Ptosis, or drooping of the upper eyelid With the model still under development, the researchers are optimistic that the AI technology could allow parents to photograph their children using smartphones and take…

GE Health has unveiled innovative new products that could transform the future of radiology and cardiac care. According to a news report, the company has launched ECG-less Cardiac CT scanning and Vscan Air SL with Caption AI  on the novel Revolution Apex ahead of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress, which focuses on ‘Personalising Cardiovascular Care.’ GE Health’s latest technologies aim to address the pressing global problem of vascular diseases, which are the leading causes of death and claim the lives of millions annually. The company provides healthcare professionals with advanced tools for early diagnosis to help them treat…

Artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm, pushing healthcare, pharmaceutical, and contemporary medicine to new levels. One of the areas AI tools are poised to make a huge difference is the field of gastroenterology. For gastroenterologists managing complex inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) daily, new AI tools could transform the entire experience, using new capabilities never achieved before. The technological breakthroughs driven by AI can transform IBD through high-definition endoscopies, electronic health records (EHR), and real-time data analysis, helping gastroenterologists diagnose and manage diseases easily. Since IBD requires gastroenterologists to gather, analyze, and piece together a heterogeneous mix of information,…

A study has revealed using AI tools for mental health platforms could perpetuate ethnic and gender biases inherited from the dataset used for training the models. According to a study by the University of Colorado, led by Professor Theodora Chaspari, some AI-powered tools used in programs for treating mental health patients could rely on biased information containing stereotypes and other information that could compromise the programs’ effectiveness. As a result, such AI tools can be biased towards patients’ ethnicity and gender when used to screen patients for various mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. The worrying reality has…

A leading AI-driven mental health and well-being app, Yana, has launched in the US markets as part of its expansion strategy to increase its user base beyond the 15 million gained in over 35 countries. Founded in 2016 by Andrea Campos, the platform has become a vital support system for millions of users globally, facilitating over 2 billion conversations. Initially, Yana operated in Argentina, Colombia, Spain, and Mexico, among other countries, offering services to diverse groups of people in Spanish. However, the company will now offer services in English for the US market, extending its reach to a wider user…

Tennessee-based gastroenterology service management firm One GI is integrating AI-driven technologies into its organisation to streamline operations, improve patient care, and support care providers. With the increasing technological advancements and the integration of AI into healthcare systems remaining critical for boosting operational efficiency, patient experience and outcome, One GI is keeping up with the pace. The gastroenterology-focused company is implementing AI-powered solutions in its operations, including pathology, clinical care, revenue cycle, data analytics, finance, network infrastructure, and security networks. Integrating AI solutions into various aspects of the organisation’s operations aims to automate repetitive tasks and provide deeper insights into operational…

VivaWell, a leading health tech company revolutionizing healthcare in Argentina and Mexico, has partnered with KeyZell Holding, a biotech company focusing on precision medicine, to develop innovative AI solutions for the healthcare sector. Founded in 2020 by Eduardo Iglesias, VivaWell’s partnership with KeyZell Holding, co-founded by José Corral, Miguel Vilaplana, and Frank Rodríguez, marks the beginning of a close collaboration between the two technology-focused companies in healthcare technology. According to a news report, the collaboration aims to accelerate the development and commercialization of new-age health technology solutions for global adoption, helping boost healthcare access and improve healthcare delivery. Through their…

Utah-based Elizachat, a health tech company focusing on mental health, has developed an AI-powered chatbot to bridge the gap between students and professional counselors. The company’s CEO, Dave Barney, told KJZZ 14 News that the chatbot was created to fill the gap in mental healthcare services in Utah schools caused by the shortage of Counselors. Barney added that even if everyone studying Psychology and social work is licensed to offer therapy, the number would still fall short of the demand. Concerns About AI-generated Mental Health Advice While Elizachat has the potential to close the gap, some psychology experts are skeptical about…

Medical technology company Medical IP has developed an AI-driven whole-body CT technology that can predict the incidence and prevalence of type 2 diabetes while identifying other cardiometabolic issues using CT scans. Founded in 2015 by Joon S. Park, the company has developed DeepCatch, an AI-powered software that leverages deep learning algorithms to automatically analyze body composition data from CT scan images to assess an individual’s risks of diabetes and related conditions for early medical intervention. According to a study conducted in partnership with Kangbuk Samsung Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital, the software can be used to comprehensively assess the…

Researchers have developed a new clinical AI model that can detect an individual’s medical condition in real time by analyzing the colour of their tongue with a remarkable 98% accuracy. According to a news article published in the New York Times, the senior research author Ali Al-Naji, who teaches at Iraq’s Middle Technical University in Baghdad and the University of South Australia, explained the rationale behind analyzing tongues using the clinical AI model to detect medical conditions. While the tongue is usually analyzed for signs of common illnesses such as anaemia, research reveals the medical approach can also be used to…

Physitrack Plc, a London-based leader in digital health, has launched Nexa, an AI-powered musculoskeletal care platform designed to enhance the quality of life for individuals worldwide. Launched under Physitrack’s Champion Health Plus division, Nexa, offers a wide range of functionalities, including self-triage, self-management, and a quick escalation to care professionals. Co-founded in 2012 by Henrik Molin and Nathan Skwortsow, Physitrack offers a solution for patient engagement, focusing on clinical home exercise, education prescription, outcomes tracking, and Telehealth. It partners with over 850 health facilities across the UK to offer service to patients seeking comprehensive care. The company aim to improve…

A Switzerland-based health tech company has developed the first-ever AI-powered hearing aid to improve user experience. Phonak, a subsidiary of Sonova, a global manufacturer and distributor of hearing aids, has introduced the world’s first advanced hearing aid, the Audéo Sphere Infinio, featuring a dedicated AI chip to deliver clear speech even in noisy environments. According to Robert Woolley, Group Vice President of Hearing Instruments at Sonova, the new device is game-changing for anyone struggling to hear in a noisy environment. Developed to tackle the challenges of the existing aids, the device leverages ERA and DEEPSONIC AI chips to achieve a…

Perceptive, a Boston-based medical technology startup developing advanced technologies to simplify the work of dentists, has conducted its first-ever robotic dental surgery on humans. According to a report, the company accomplished the task using a suite of automated dental technology, including 3D scans, AI data analytics, robotic arms, and the required tools. Dr Chris Ciriello, CEO and founder of Perceptive, said that the medical breakthrough enhances the efficiency and precision of dental procedures, a move that could help democratize access to high-quality care for improved clinical outcomes. The robotic dental procedure, which was described by the company as “tooth cutting”…

A UK-based medical technology company that simplifies surgical workflow using a voice-enabled application, Voice-Care International Ltd, has won the “Best Healthcare Technology Solution of the Year” in the Health Tech Digital Awards 2024. According to the company’s announcement, its Surgical Workflow Application won the prestigious award due to its potential to transform surgical procedures and enhance patient safety and care. Developed in compliance with the WHO, LocSSIPs, and NatSSIPs Checklists, as well as the recommendations from surgical clinicians, Heads of Governance, and ICUs, the application helps physicians effortlessly follow Surgical Safety Checklists accurately. The application uses voice commands to guide…

Researchers have developed a new non-invasive test technology that could help in early detection of cervical cancer, giving hope for effortless screening and prevention in the future. As reported by MPO, the new test that can detect crucial cervical cancer biomarkers in urine was developed by researchers from Waseda University in Japan in collaboration with a German scientist, Martin Müller, from the German Cancer Research Center. The ultrasensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test has proven effective in detecting high-risk HPV16 E7 oncoproteins from urine samples. It provides an alternative noninvasive screening procedure that could encourage more women to test for…

Vave Health, a California-based medical device company, has partnered with Inteleos Foundation, a global non-profit organization promoting equity in healthcare technology to boost access to ultrasound services in low-income and under-resourced communities globally. Founded in 2015 by Dr.Amin Nikoozadeh, Vave Health aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery using innovative, efficient, low-cost, and accessible medical devices. The innovative ultrasound device developer donated handheld ultrasound devices to three programs based at the Inteleos Foundation. The programs include: The Maternal Health Grand Challenge— an initiative launched to minimize maternal-fetal mortalities in countries within Sub-Saharan Africa by at least 20% through training on scalable ultrasound…