Returning to work | AI & radiology | Pandemic Prevention Institute

"The greater the obstacle the more glory in overcoming it."  Moliere

Today’s issue:

• Safe return to work
• The Pandemic Prevention Institute   
  
• Duel therapies
• COVID-19 and nanobodies
• AI in radiology
• Chemo and infertility
• Gene therapy treatments for cancer
• PPE monitoring software
  
• Reengineering scopes

June 30, 2021

PANDEMIC INNOVATION

Image by DGLimages for Shutterstock

Safe return to work

PITTSBURGH, PA—As business leaders preparing a safe return to work for employees, data modeling company Epistemix is offering advice. The company makes a platform that simulates different work habit patterns and risks based on vaccination levels.

The Pandemic Prevention Institute

MADISON, WI—With the hope of improving future pandemic response, professors at the University Wisconsin in Madison will be part of the Pandemic Prevention Institute. The goal is to foster better connections between academic scientists and public health experts. The project is privately funded by the Rockefeller Foundation.

Duel therapies

ST. LOUIS, MO—COVID-19 patients that are at high risk of severe illness and hospitalization are often given therapies made from antibodies. But as new variants of the virus appear, there is a question around the effectiveness of the existing therapies. Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found that dual therapy seems to prevent the emergence of resistant viruses.

COVID-19 and nanobodies

COLUMBUS, OH-- Scientists at The Ohio State University are pursuing a new strategy in the protracted fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus by engineering nanobodies that can neutralize virus variants in two different ways. There is much more research ahead, but the findings suggest nanobodies could be promising tools to prevent COVID-19 mortality when vaccines are compromised.

Share these stories!

PUDDLE HOPS: HEALTH TECH

Fast Future has followed medical and tech news around COVID-19 from the beginning of the pandemic. We’re adding coverage to this report related to health care innovation to feature more advances across Fast Future Country. 

• COLUMBUS, OH—What is the latest on the use of AI in radiology? Dr. Mina S. Makary, from Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center's Department of Radiology, and Carol A. Vitellas from Ohio State University College of Medicine, have written an article for HealthManagement.org about AI’s role in the transformation of radiology. AI uses include helping radiologists identify pathologies not visible to the human eye, differentiating between benign and malignant tumors without invasive biopsies, and predicting the likelihood of tumor recurrence.

   

• CINCINNATI, OH—Researchers at University of Cincinnati’s School of Medicine have developed a blueprint for proteins that play important roles in the development and regulation of reproductive organs. The research around the protein anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) may help treat infertility and protect future births in women undergoing chemotherapy.

• RALEIGH, NC--Biotech company Inceptor Bio is looking to find potential gene therapy treatments for cancer. It recently raised $26 million, led by Kineticos Disruptor Fund, a life science investment vehicle managed by the Triangle-based consulting firm Kieticos. The company will be located in the Triangle and is looking to license and commercialize tech from universities.

• KANSAS CITY, MO—Kenzen is a company that developed PPE monitoring software and a wearable device designed to keep industrial workforces safe from heat, fatigue and overexertion. The company has added two more features to its software—the ability to track heat susceptibility and the sweat rate of individuals.

• DURHAM, NC--Identifying early stage throat cancer is done by using a long, flexible tube called a nasopharyngoscope. But that piece of equipment costs $10,000 and is not feasible for clinics in developing countries. Walter Lee, M.D., leader of Duke University’s otolaryngology clinic worked with biomedical engineering professor Bob Malkin, PhD, to design a scope that costs about $600. Doctors at 30 hospital in Vietnam will begin using the scope this September.

Share these stories!

REACH OUT

Share stories, offer suggestions or leave a comment!