Category: Health

NHS England has been criticised for awarding a key role in handling patient data to Palantir, a US company with links to the CIA and controversial surveillance practices. The contract, which was revealed by The Guardian, extends Palantir’s involvement in the NHS Covid-19 Data Store until 2025, and gives it access to a wide range of sensitive health information. Palantir’s role in the NHS Covid-19 Data Store Palantir, founded by…

Sheba Medical Center, the largest hospital in Israel, is harnessing technology as a tool for soldier rehabilitation. The hospital is using artificial intelligence, modified tools, and wearable devices to treat patients with complex brain injuries caused by the ongoing war with Hamas. AI and Modified Tools for Brain Aneurysms Many of the patients who have been wounded by Hamas attacks have developed brain aneurysms, which are abnormal bulges in the…

The Washington Times has published an editorial calling for stricter regulation of Big Tech companies, especially social media platforms, for the sake of children’s mental health and well-being. The editorial cites recent reports and testimonies that reveal how social media algorithms push harmful content on young users, such as self-harm, eating disorders, violence, and extremism. The whistleblower’s revelations The editorial refers to the revelations made by Frances Haugen, a former…

What is an artificial pancreas and how does it work? An artificial pancreas is a device that mimics the function of the pancreas, an organ that produces insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes have an autoimmune condition that destroys the insulin-producing cells in their pancreas, making them dependent on external sources of insulin. An artificial pancreas consists of three main components: a sensor…

Tampa Bay Wave, a nonprofit organization that supports high-growth startups, has announced a strategic collaboration with the University of South Florida (USF) to launch a new healthtech accelerator program in 2024. The program, called HealthTech|X Accelerator, will focus on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the healthtech sector in the Tampa Bay region. A grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration The HealthTech|X Accelerator is funded by a $2 million grant…

A new Swiss-designed implant has helped a man with advanced Parkinson’s disease to walk almost normally again, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. The implant, called a neuroprosthesis, stimulates the spinal cord with electrical pulses to activate the leg muscles and restore mobility. How the implant works The neuroprosthesis consists of an electrode field placed against the spinal cord and an electrical impulse generator under the skin of…

Scientists have developed a novel way to target and eliminate senescent cells, which are old and dysfunctional cells that cause inflammation and contribute to ageing and many chronic diseases. The new method uses CAR-T cell technology, which is usually used for the treatment of cancer, to selectively kill senescent cells without harming healthy cells. What are Senescent Cells and Why are They Harmful? Senescence is a state of permanent cell…

The world has made remarkable progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS, the deadly virus that has killed about 40 million people since the 1980s. However, the goal of ending AIDS as a major public health threat by 2030 is still far from being achieved. What are the main obstacles and opportunities in this global effort? The success story of antiretroviral therapy One of the most significant achievements in the history…

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on many aspects of life, especially for small towns and rural areas. Many businesses, such as pubs, banks, libraries and swimming pools, have been forced to close or reduce their services due to lockdowns, social distancing measures and reduced demand. This has left many towns desolate and deprived of vital social and economic resources. The decline of pubs and social life Pubs…

What is Georgia Pathways to Coverage? Georgia Pathways to Coverage is a new state health plan for low-income residents that was launched on July 1, 2023. It is the nation’s only Medicaid program that requires recipients to meet a work requirement. The program was created by Governor Brian Kemp in 2020 as an alternative to expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The plan aims to provide health insurance…