Medtech / devices
An ultra-sensitive test could improve dementia diagnosis by detecting protein clumps linked to rarer forms of cognitive decline. The test targets abnormal clumps of TDP-43, a protein linked to a subtype of frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Frontotemporal lobar degeneration, or FTLD, is a group of brain disorders that can affect behaviour, emotions, language and planning. Investigators [...]
An at-home test could spot Alzheimer’s risk early by combining an online brain assessment with a finger-prick blood test, a study suggests. The test looks for blood markers linked to the disease and includes online checks of abilities linked to memory, attention and decision making. Researchers said the approach could help identify people who may [...]
Glucose monitoring improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes treated with basal insulin, a major clinical trial has found. Researchers carried out the FreeDM2 trial, which compared the effectiveness of real-time continuous glucose monitoring, known as CGM, with traditional finger-prick blood glucose monitoring in adults with type 2 diabetes. The findings of [...]
An AI tool predicted heart failure risk up to five years before onset with 86 per cent accuracy in 72,000 patients in England, researchers said. The AI tool, developed by a team at the University of Oxford, looks for signs in fat around the heart that show whether it is inflamed and unhealthy. Those signs [...]
A new brain health collaboratory from Cognito and Ochsner aims to test new ways of treating cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. The Brain Health Collaboratory is described as the Gulf South's first statewide platform for non-invasive brain health innovation. It will combine Cognito's investigational Spectris technology with Ochsner's clinical network to explore care models across [...]
A centenarian study by HLI and LEV Foundation will examine why some people live past 100 and remain healthier for longer. The collaboration will study blood samples from centenarians and supercentenarians, people aged 100 and 110 or over, to explore the biology of exceptional longevity. Researchers are trying to answer a central question in ageing [...]
By Ruth Dixon, Programme Lead, Challenge Works Humans are social creatures – connection to others is vital for good health and wellbeing. Despite this, research conducted last year showed that almost one out of every four older individuals in the world feels lonely - a significant and saddening statistic. Research has consistently shown that people [...]
Endogenex has raised US$50m to complete development of its diabetes procedure and take the technology to the FDA. The fundraising comes shortly after the company delivered initial clinical study results showing its pulsed electric field system met safety goals and led to metabolic improvements in HbA1c, fasting glucose levels and body weight. Founded in partnership [...]
Atrogi has dosed the first volunteers in a human trial of ATR-258, a muscle-preserving drug designed to help people lose fat without losing muscle. The eight-week study is examining how ATR-258 affects muscle in overweight male volunteers. Atrogi describes it as a first-in-class oral therapy designed to mimic some of the metabolic and muscle-related effects [...]
MINNESOTA-based Medtronic has agreed to acquire neurovascular technology company Scientia Vascular for US$550m. Scientia’s neurovascular access devices are used to navigate the brain's complex vasculature, helping prevent cognitive decline by treating conditions such as strokes and aneurysms. The Scientia proposal is Medtronic’s second deal of the year, after the company announced an acquisition of CathWorks [...]
