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VR: visualize expansion microscopy data and illuminate new treatments
17.06.2019
A combined research team from Carnegie Mellon University and Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason is pairing a nanoscale imaging technique with virtual reality (VR) technology to create a method that allows researchers to "step inside" their biological data.
Computational system: tool pinpoints gut's bacteria
14.06.2019
A UCLA-led research team has developed a faster and more accurate way to determine where the many bacteria that live in, and on, humans come from. Broadly, the tool can deduce the origins of any microbiome, a localized and diverse community of microscopic organisms.
AI: diagnosis of skin lesions is superior to humans
13.06.2019
When it comes to the diagnosis of pigmented skin lesions, artificial intelligence is superior to humans. In a study conducted under the supervision of the MedUni Vienna human experts "competed" against computer algorithms. The algorithms achieved clearly better results, yet their current abilities cannot replace humans.
Machine learning: superior results for low-dose CT
12.06.2019
Machine learning has the potential to vastly advance medical imaging, particularly computerized tomography (CT) scanning, by reducing radiation exposure and improving image quality. Those new research findings were just published in Nature Machine Intelligence by engineers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and radiologists at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
AI: method to improve rare disease diagnosis
11.06.2019
The team under Prof. Tom Lenaerts (VUB-ULB) of the IB² has developed an AI algorithm that makes it possible to identify combinations of genetic variants or abnormalities that cause rare diseases through computer analysis.
Apps: cognitive therapy in your pocket
07.06.2019
Based on a study by McLean Hospital researchers, individuals with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions may soon be able to use a smartphone app to deliver on-demand cognitive bias modification for interpretation (CBM-I), a way to change mental habits without visiting a therapist.
Of exoskeletons and service robots – the future of rehabilitation
03.06.2019
For most people, enjoying a good quality of life means having the ability to move freely, safely and independently. Intensive and costly rehabilitation is needed if this is no longer an option after a stroke for example. We are introducing some projects that deliver innovative robotic solutions.
Walking is an issue of mind over matter – how robots assist rehabilitation
03.06.2019
Humans are living longer than ever but still want to continue to live independently as they age. Meanwhile, our motor and cognitive abilities decline as we age, sometimes as the effects of a stroke. The number of people in need of long-term care is growing at breakneck speed. At the same time, fewer and fewer young people choose stressful careers as caregivers.
Rehab with a robot – robot-assisted therapy in neurology
03.06.2019
It takes consistent repetitions if rehab patients want to relearn skills after surviving a stroke. This requires extreme effort. The industrial sector uses robots to perform repetitive tasks or handle jobs that require strength. What has been a fixture in factories for decades is now also making its way into rehabilitation facilities.
Robotics – rehab with motors and sensors
03.06.2019
They work with power, precision and tirelessly. This makes robots an ideal instrument for rehabilitation. In gait or motor training, movement sequences must be repeated thousands of times so that they can be learnt anew. What tires the patient and costs the therapist's time can easily be managed by robot-assisted systems. Learn more about the possibilities of robotics in rehabilitation.
Wearables: new method to evaluate comfort of smart and functional textiles
31.05.2019
Until now, user-friendliness has been the focus of the development of smart and functional textiles. Now it is time to address comfort when wearing these textiles – a quality factor that should be of interest to the industry.
AI detects a new class of mutations behind autism
30.05.2019
Many mutations in DNA that contribute to disease are not in actual genes but instead lie in the 99% of the genome once considered "junk." Even though scientists have recently come to understand that these vast stretches of DNA do in fact play critical roles, deciphering these effects on a wide scale has been impossible until now.
mHealth: AI to enhance cognitive performance
28.05.2019
Researchers have shown that AI could potentially be used to customise training regimens for individuals to personalise learning and improve cognitive performance. Using performance data from a given person, CURATE.AI creates an individualised profile that enables cognitive training to be tailored to the individual's learning habits and competencies so as to enhance training effectiveness.
Big Data: algorithm predicts intensive care patients' chances of survival
27.05.2019
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen and Rigshospitalet have used data on more than 230,000 intensive care patients to develop a new algorithm. Among other things, it uses disease history from the past 23 years to predict patients' chances of survival in intensive care units.
Wearables: World's first wearable kidney
23.05.2019
An artificial portable kidney that patients who have suffered renal failure could wear is to be created by a research team at the University of Saskatchewan with federal funding.
MobiKa – programmed to help
22.05.2019
Many illnesses or old age require help with everyday tasks. Unfortunately, family members or caregivers aren’t always available to lend a hand. The MobiKa mobile service robot is designed to offer support, deliver motivation and improve the quality of life of those in need.
AI: System spots lung cancer before radiologists
22.05.2019
Deep learning - a form of artificial intelligence - was able to detect malignant lung nodules on low-dose chest computed tomography (LDCT) scans with a performance meeting or exceeding that of expert radiologists, reports a new study from Google and Northwestern Medicine.
Assistance systems: AI radio for people with dementia
21.05.2019
Radio Me will address key causes of hospital admission for people with dementia, such as agitation and not taking medication correctly. As a result, it is hoped quality of life will improve, and people will be able to remain living independently at home for longer.
App: Asthma tracking for children
21.05.2019
An app that allows parents and doctors to monitor a child's asthma has a big impact on managing the disease. When families monitored symptoms with eAsthma Tracker and adjusted care accordingly, children had better asthma control and made fewer visits to the emergency department.
AI: Novel method predicts future risk of breast cancer
14.05.2019
Researchers from two major institutions have developed a new tool with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) methods to predict a woman's future risk of breast cancer.
VR can improve quality of life for people with dementia
10.05.2019
Virtual reality (VR) technology could vastly improve the quality of life for people with dementia by helping to recall past memories, reduce aggression and improve interactions with caregivers, new research by the University of Kent has discovered.
Robopets can benefit health and wellbeing of elderly
09.05.2019
Researchers found evidence that 'robopets' can provide comfort and pleasure and reduce agitation and loneliness. Funded by NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula PenCLAHRC), the study also found that robopets increase social interaction with other residents, family members and staff, often through acting as a stimulus for conversation.
eHealth: wireless system collects health and behavioral data
09.05.2019
We live in a world of wireless signals flowing around us and bouncing off our bodies. MIT researchers are now leveraging those signal reflections to provide scientists and caregivers with valuable insights into people's behavior and health.
AI can detect depression in a child's speech
08.05.2019
A machine learning algorithm can detect signs of anxiety and depression in the speech patterns of young children, potentially providing a fast and easy way of diagnosing conditions that are difficult to spot and often overlooked in young people, according to new research published in the Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics.
mHealth: Atrial fibrillation detection – App supports heart health
08.05.2019
Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of persistent cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). Researchers estimate that 1.8 million Germans are presently affected by this disease. The condition is difficult to diagnose, frequently goes undetected and may result in a stroke. A new smartwatch medical app is designed to help patients detect atrial fibrillation before it’s too late.
Imaging: Dataset bridges human vision and machine learning
08.05.2019
Neuroscientists and computer vision scientists say a new dataset of unprecedented size - comprising brain scans of four volunteers who each viewed 5,000 images - will help researchers better understand how the brain processes images.
mHealth: Smartwatches sense hand activity
07.05.2019
We've become accustomed to our smartwatches and smartphones sensing what our bodies are doing, be it walking, driving or sleeping. But what about our hands? It turns out that smartwatches, with a few tweaks, can detect a surprising number of things your hands are doing.
Cybersecurity: New chip stops attacks before they start
03.05.2019
A new computer processor architecture developed at the University of Michigan could usher in a future where computers proactively defend against threats, rendering the current electronic security model of bugs and patches obsolete.
Human firewall – keeping your resources safe
02.05.2019
Digitization impacts many areas of life. It is also remapping the healthcare landscape and is becoming increasingly important, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care as quickly as possible. To make this a reality, data is stored digitally and medical devices are connected.
Computational system: Algorithms for cancer treatments
02.05.2019
While network algorithms are usually associated with finding friends on social media, researchers at the University of Sussex have shown how they could also be used improve the effectiveness of cancer treatment, by predicting the interactions between genes.
Cybersecurity in the hospital: securely networked
02.05.2019
Digitalization and networking are supposed to serve the health care system well: In times of staff shortages and demographic change, they are able to support the exchange of patient data and the management of chronic diseases as well as to improve the workflow. But it is still often ignored that both individual devices and complete networks can become lucrative targets for cybercrimes.
Hospital cybersecurity: secure technology and trained employees go hand in hand
02.05.2019
When it comes to IT, the medical sector has a dilemma: On the one hand, digitization and networks are designed to save both time and money. Yet on the other hand, medical systems, physician offices, and hospital networks don’t have nearly the same levels of protection as online stores, payment service providers or financial institutions. That’s also partially due to an absence of risk awareness.
Security first – hospitals prime targets of cyberattacks
02.05.2019
Safety should be a top priority when it comes to safeguarding human lives. That's why hospitals must protect their computer networks and data against unauthorized access. However, thanks to the proliferation of connected devices in hospitals, they are at high risk of suffering devastating cyberattacks. There is also a lack of cybersecurity awareness.
mHealth: Smartphone AI detects diabetic retinopathy
01.05.2019
Researchers at the University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center revealed that combining a smartphone-mounted device that takes high-quality retinal pictures with artificial intelligence software that reads them, can determine in real- time whether a patient should be referred to an ophthalmologist for follow-up.
Software: Advanced radiation therapy for children
29.04.2019
Doctors at Children's Hospital Los Angeles continue to lead the field of radiation oncology by pushing the leading edge of technological advances. A new report by Arthur Olch, PhD, highlights use of specialized software that could advance treatment accuracy for pediatric cancer patients.
mobile Health: Game detects Alzheimer's risk
29.04.2019
A specially designed mobile phone game can detect people at risk of Alzheimer's - according to new research from the University of East Anglia. Researchers studied gaming data from an app called Sea Hero Quest, which has been downloaded and played by more than 4.3 million people worldwide.
Wearables: biosensor 'bandage' collects and analyzes sweat
25.04.2019
Like other biofluids, sweat contains a wealth of information about what's going on inside the body. However, collecting the fluid for analysis, usually by dripping or absorbing it from the skin's surface, can be time-consuming and messy.
Software aims to reduce variability in ELISA biomarker tests
24.04.2019
A new computational approach has been developed to reduce variability in common research biomarker tests, a promising step in improving the ability of biomedical researchers and basic scientists to reproduce data and facilitate more consistent results across laboratories and long-term projects.
Gamification: how penguins help children overcome their MRI fear
23.04.2019
It's noisy, tight and scary - that's how children feel about a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine. Because they are scared, they are often too fidgety and anxious during the procedure, causing the images to blur or the scan to be stopped. Researchers have now developed a VR app called Pingunauten Trainer that’s designed to gently prepare the little patients for MRI scans.
Medical imaging: roadmap for AI use
22.04.2019
In August 2018, a workshop was held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Md., to explore the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical imaging. The workshop was co-sponsored by NIH, the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), the American College of Radiology (ACR) and The Academy for Radiology and Biomedical Imaging Research (The Academy).
AI performs as well as experienced radiologists
18.04.2019
UCLA researchers have developed a new artificial intelligence system to help radiologists improve their ability to diagnose prostate cancer. The
Clear sight in the data fog with PAGA
16.04.2019
Experimental molecular assays with single-cell resolution generate big and complex data. Researchers at Helmholtz Zentrum München and the Technical University of Munich are now presenting their computer algorithm PAGA.
AI singles out neurons faster than a human can
16.04.2019
Biomedical engineers at Duke University have developed an automated process that can trace the shapes of active neurons as accurately as human researchers can, but in a fraction of the time.
Wearables: wrist band to empower Parkinson's patients
11.04.2019
People with Parkinson's could see their care transformed thanks to a new service involving wearable technology. The project, entitled Developing Home-based Parkinson's Care, will see patients use a wrist-worn device known as a Personal Kinetigraph as part of a new scheme to help them and a specialist team monitor their condition at home.
3D printed robots could be caring for elderly
10.04.2019
The world's elderly population is booming. The number of older people - those age 60 years or older - is expected to more than double by 2050 and is growing faster than all younger age groups across the globe. This trend comes with an increasing demand for caregivers capable of providing 24-hour care, not only at hospitals or nursing homes, but also at private homes and apartments.
Smart fabric helps athletic coaching and physical therapy
09.04.2019
A computer science research team at Dartmouth College has produced a smart fabric that can help athletes and physical therapy patients correct arm angles to optimize performance, reduce injury and accelerate recovery.
eHealth: antibiotic overprescribing thanks to telemedicine
08.04.2019
Children with acute respiratory infections were prescribed antibiotics more often during direct-to-consumer telemedicine visits than during in-person primary care appointments or urgent care visits, according to UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh research reported today in Pediatrics.
Cyber security: photons for optical fiber obstacle
05.04.2019
Researchers from the NUS-Singtel Cyber Security Research & Development Laboratory in Singapore demonstrate a way to improve quantum key distribution over fiber networks.
Computational model for cancer treatment
05.04.2019
Researchers have developed a computational model for human MEK1, a protein with potential as a drug target for a variety of human cancers.
Stroke: 4D brain perfusion accelerates treatment
01.04.2019
In an ischaemic stroke, rapid treatment is essential. In this moment good imaging data is particularly important to enable doctors to make the best possible decision for therapy. Modern CT scanners are increasingly being used to assess stroke patients because they can show the blood flow to the brain over time.
Functional imaging: a look at the command center
01.04.2019
All information from our body and the environment converges in our brain and is transformed into reactions in milliseconds. It is essential for medicine and research to know what our switching centre looks like. Functional methods are used to observe it more closely during work.
Functional imaging: what makes the brain tick?
01.04.2019
Our brain is the command center of our body. This is where all information and impressions are collected and converted into responses and movements. Modern imaging techniques offer physicians and researchers unique insights into the actions of the human central nervous system. The functional imaging technique allows them to watch our brain in action.
Big Data: Software predicts risk of irregular heart beats
29.03.2019
Combining a wealth of information derived from previous studies with data from more than 500 patients, an international team led by researchers from Johns Hopkins has developed a computer-based set of rules that more accurately predicts when patients with a rare heart condition might benefit--or not--from lifesaving implanted defibrillators.
Virtual reality for autism
28.03.2019
Playing games in virtual reality (VR) could be a key tool in treating people with neurological disorders such as autism, schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. The technology, according to a recent study from the University of Waterloo, could help individuals with these neurological conditions shift their perceptions of time, which their conditions lead them to perceive differently.
Smart wristband alerts dangerous health conditions
28.03.2019
Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania researchers are developing a smart wrist-worn device for monitoring of atrial fibrillation - a condition, which if left untreated can lead to serious health complications and even death.
AI identifies key patterns from video footage of infant movements
27.03.2019
Subtle characteristics in the spontaneous movement of very young babies may reveal clinically important aspects of their neurodevelopment. Visual assessment of typical movement patterns (General movements, GM) by a clinical expert is known to be effective in early identification of e.g. cerebral palsy (CP).
IT: Smart speaker technology for hospital medical treatments
26.03.2019
Smart speakers that are customarily used in your living room can be programmed to act as an aid to physicians in hospital operating rooms. Smart speakers, such as the Amazon Echo and Google Home, offer a conversational voice interface that allows interventional radiology (IR) physicians to ask questions and retrieve information needed for their patient treatments without breaking sterile scrub.
Cardiology: Toilet seat detects congestive heart failure
25.03.2019
With 1 million new cases of congestive heart failure diagnosed each year, a revolutionary product is making it easier for hospitals to monitor patients with the condition in the comfort of their own homes.
Restoring Pulmonary Function
01.03.2019
People suffering from lung disease temporarily need ventilator support because they are unable to breathe naturally. Mechanical ventilation is designed to ensure the survival of these patients. The goal is to adapt the ventilator settings and tailor them the patient's specific needs and prevent lung tissue damage.
All-round care for COPD: diagnosis, treatment, self-management
01.03.2019
COPD affects more than 200 million people in the world. Those affected by this chronic pulmonary disease are often slow to notice the symptoms and get a medical diagnosis. This results in secondary complications and high medical costs. That's why an early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and frequent monitoring are very important. Various devices and tools support this all-round care.
React early, breathe free – comprehensive COPD management
01.03.2019
COPD is considered the third most common cause of death worldwide and mainly affects smokers. It is not curable, but with the right combination of early diagnosis, therapy and self-management, a significant part of the quality of life can be regained. The comprehensive care is supported by various devices and technical tools. Learn more about the all-round care of COPD in our Topic of the Month.
Sports medicine: preventing injuries with wearable sensors
08.02.2019
The consequences of sports injuries can be very serious and sideline athletes for a long time. Although it often seems like these injuries happen in a split second, they can also be the result of overuse and loads that usually weaken the athlete over time. This stress can be detected and reduced with wearable technology and injuries prevented before they happen.
Organ-on-a-chip – Organs in miniature format
01.02.2019
In vitro processes and animal tests are used to develop new medications and novel therapeutic approaches. However, animal testing raises important ethical concerns. Organ-on-a-chip models promise to be a feasible alternative. In a system the size of a smartphone, organs are connected using artificial circulation.
Organ-on-a-chip - the mini organs of the future?
01.02.2019
So far in vitro methods and animal experiments have been used to determine the causes of diseases, research therapeutic approaches and predict the effect of drugs. Organ-on-a-chip models now offer a more accurate and ethically justifiable alternative. Find out more about the models, their advantages and future developments in our Topic of the Month.
AI ensures dynamic sitting
22.01.2019
Whether in the office, at school or behind the wheel: we spend a lot of time sitting and often stay in the same position for too long. The possible side effects are stiffness, back problems and pain. The SensA-Chair smart seating solution combats decreased mobility and ensures dynamic sitting.
Better living thanks to telemedicine – “TelePark“- project targets patients with Parkinson’s disease
08.01.2019
Parkinson's disease is a progressive nervous system disorder that primarily affects movement of patients and makes their everyday lives very challenging. It also makes regular doctor appointments and treatment sessions necessary. "TelePark" - a project that collects different movement-related parameters using sensors and apps is designed to improve the quality of life for Parkinson’s patients.
DiaDigital: making sense of diabetes apps
02.01.2019
While they are very useful, health apps have one major drawback: anyone can release and distribute them unchecked. Only some apps require medical device certification. So how can users spot a great, safe and useful app? When it comes to diabetes apps, the “DiaDigital” seal of distinction is the answer.
A digital look inside the human eye – when algorithms diagnose Diabetes
02.01.2019
Diabetes mellitus or simply diabetes has become very common and is often described as a lifestyle disease. More and more people are suffering from this chronic metabolic disorder. Next to established diagnostic procedures, digital retinal screening has shown to be successful - a promising technique that will also play an important role in the diagnosis of other diseases in the future.
Diabetes digital – smart support for diabetics
02.01.2019
Monitoring blood sugar levels, counting carbohydrates, calculating insulin doses, and keeping accurate records - diabetes is a data-intensive disease that demands a lot of self-discipline and attention from the patients. Some concerns are patients neglecting to keep a food journal, "fudged" test results or calculation errors. Digital solutions help patients easily manage the large volumes of data.
Blood glucose monitoring of tomorrow - modern diabetes therapies
02.01.2019
There are 425 million people with diabetes in the world. Heart problems, kidney failure or blindness - these can all be consequences of the metabolic disease. Diabetes patients now have the possibility of being treated digitally.
Collect, process, communicate – retina measurements with Mimo
19.12.2018
Continuous monitoring is an essential process with every disease. In the case of eye disorders, frequent retina measurements can facilitate early detection of deterioration to quickly initiate intervention. This calls for comprehensive care settings, easy ways to take measurements and prompt results. However, in reality, this is rarely the case.
From algorithm to rapid test – Artificial Intelligence classifies blood cells
21.11.2018
Our blood reveals a lot about our physical health. The shape of our blood cells sheds light on several hereditary diseases for example. For a diagnosis, the cells must first be examined under the microscope and categorized into a specific cell class. We met with Dr. Stephan Quint and Alexander Kihm of the Institute of Physics at the Saarland University, who explained how this classification works.
Interview with Verso Vision
15.11.2018
Artificial intelligence and algorithms that become ever more complex are increasingly used in devices in the hospital. This does not only bring speed, but also safety to the treatment and care of patients. We learn more at the stand of Verso Vision at MEDICA 2018.
Neighbours as guests at MEDICA - Interview at the Polish joint stand
15.11.2018
100 Polish exhibitors will be present at this year's MEDICA and show their new innovations in medical technology. You can find out what there is to discover at the Polish joint stand in our interview.
Surglasses: surgery with perspective: Interview with Taiwan Main Orthopedics
15.11.2018
Surgeons need a good overview of what they are doing. This is especially true for minimally-invasive surgery, since they cannot see the operating area directly. Using augmented reality, Taiwan Main Orthopedics Biotechnology helps surgeons to retain their perspective, even during complex interventions.
Patient care of the future? Robotics, AI and Big Data at MEDICA 2018
14.11.2018
Robotics, artificial intelligence, big data: these are terms that were not used in connection with medicine a few years ago. Today they are no longer dreams of the future, but an important support in diagnosis, during surgery or aftercare. Find out more at MEDICA 2018!
Intelligent, portable, but also practicable? Wearables and smart textiles tested at MEDICA
13.11.2018
Whether intelligent Smartwatch, a vest that measures heart rate or a pocket-sized allergy test: Wearables and smart Textiles are important health aids, but how practical are they really? We did the test at MEDICA 2018.
Healthcare data to go – Interview with medicus.ai
13.11.2018
New technologies lead to new challenges, but also open up new possibilities. At the stand of Medicus AI at MEDICA 2018, we will find out what they look like specifically for medicine. The company has developed an app that bundles all of a patient's health-related data and helps understand medical reports.
Past, present and future of MEDICA – Interview with Horst Giesen
12.11.2018
Even before MEDICA begins, the Düsseldorf trade fair grounds are alive like a beehive: in the halls, stands are built and exhibits are delivered, while the trade fair management coordinates logistics and services for exhibitors and visitors. We were still able to have a short talk to Horst Giesen, Global Portfolio Director Health & Medical Technologies of Messe Düsseldorf, despite all the bustle.
Digitization: Hospitals as Popular Targets?
02.11.2018
It’s safe to say that patients and their prompt medical care take center stage at any hospital. Digitization of the healthcare sector is quickly advancing to make this a reality: data is stored in a digital medium, devices are linked together. But how safe are hospitals in the age of innovation?
"Dr. Algorithm suggests the best treatment option"
02.11.2018
The technology of the 20th century is progressing faster than ever – and this also applies to technology in the field of medicine. That’s why it is only a matter of time before hospitals are fully driven by artificial intelligence - data-driven medicine that suggests the best treatment and facilitates zero error surgeries. A path that doesn’t just require openness!
See, experience, learn: what's new at MEDICA 2018
02.11.2018
It's time: the world's largest medical trade fair opens its doors from 12 to 15 November. More than 5,000 international exhibitors will present their new innovative products and applications. Frums, conferences and special shows will feature exciting specialist lectures and discussions that will give you an insight into electromedicine, laboratory medicine, medical technology and diagnostics.
Lung segmentation: easier and faster thanks to new algorithms
01.10.2018
A look inside the lungs is a time-consuming process. To identify the boundaries of the respiratory organ from surrounding other organs, tissues, and structures requires between 200 and 500 computed tomographic images and subsequent manual markings – an elaborate process that can take up to six hours. An optimized computer program is now able to do this in only a few seconds.
Air Next: sharing spirometry data for better treatment
24.09.2018
Some diseases require close, permanent control of the patient, especially if they are chronic and, if unchecked, potentially dangerous, like some lung diseases. Monitoring them is quite cumbersome, because patients regularly need to visit their physician or a hospital. Wireless devices for home measurements offer at least some comfort and relieve to patients.
Electronic Health Record: Transparent Patient?
21.09.2018
A smart hospital has many components, which ultimately come together as a connected whole, thus achieving better patient care. One crucial piece of the puzzle that some countries like the U.S. have implemented but one that’s still missing in Germany is the electronic health record (or electronic medical record). It is shrouded in controversy and yet a critical aspect of the hospital of the future.
Smart Hospital: Healthcare rethought
03.09.2018
The focus of every hospital are the patient and caring for him quickly. However, processes are often delayed because, for example, the patient data first has to be recorded with time consuming effort or a specialist is not currently on site. The Smart Hospital aims to avoid these problems – through interconnection of all instances and the integration of the most modern communication technologies.
Master plan Smart Hospital: well-connected is half cared for
03.09.2018
Artificial intelligence makes the diagnosis, robots perform the surgery and physicians manage all processes via touchscreen – is that what hospitals of the future will look like? And how far away are we actually from this future? Many hospital facilities are already on their way to becoming Smart Hospitals with the latest technology and where everything and everyone is linked and connected.
Smart Hospital: How devices communicate in the OR
03.09.2018
In a Smart Hospital, all devices are designed to be connected and integrated, thus increasing efficiency and reducing time loss – at least, that is how things are meant to work in theory. In reality, there are still countless vendor-specific point solutions that cannot be integrated. That's why there is a need for solutions that bridge the gap between the different applications and formats.
Pathology 4.0 – inveox automates laboratory processes
22.08.2018
Mix-ups, contamination and sample loss – most errors in pathology happen when specimen are received. Countless samples arrive daily at the laboratory, while the sample entry process is very monotonous. As a result, the work is inefficient. The start-up company inveox has now developed a system that automates the processes in the pathology laboratory, thus making them more efficient.
How big data leads to diagnosis
01.08.2018
Physicians usually diagnose like this nowadays: They examine the patient and talk to him about his problems, they compare his symptoms to disease pictures they know, and, in complex cases, they research the literature or bring in colleagues. But could it happen in the future that physicians simply collect the patient data and feed it into an algorithm that then names the most likely diagnoses?
AI in medicine: Machines do not learn like humans
01.08.2018
For years, medicine has been exploring AI techniques aimed at easing physician workload. While computers may not have the medical expertise and skills obtained through years of study, they can recognize patterns and specific features in datasets and draw deductions.
Diagnosing diseases with big data
01.08.2018
All of us generate data every day without even realizing it – sometimes it happens unconsciously and unintentionally. At this point, we are made of data and not just in the eyes of tech companies but also from a healthcare system perspective. Our electronic health records are a smorgasbord of data for example.
Neurology: Early detection of Parkinson’s disease with app and data?
01.08.2018
Big Data is often likened to finding the proverbial needle in a haystack: Large volumes of data contain patterns that hold the answer to a particular question. The trick is to gather meaningful data and identify patterns. The i-PROGNOSIS research project shows how smart devices and an app team up to automatically collect data without disturbing the user.
Regenerative heart valves: from simulation to replacement
23.07.2018
Every year, more than 250,000 patients worldwide receive heart valve implants. Children require repeated replacement surgery because their bodies are still growing, the prosthetic heart valves are not. Regenerative heart valves solve this problem. Until now, we have only been able to monitor how these living implants develop in the body after the fact. Computer models now make this predictable.
The path to the Digi-Doc – MEDICA 2018
19.07.2018
The electronic patient record is only one of many examples that shows how difficult digitization is in the healthcare industry in Germany. So it is no wonder that this topic will dominate at MEDICA, the world's largest medical trade fair. At the same time, the suppliers of medical technology present themselves.
Telemedicine – well-connected in emergencies
02.07.2018
Every second counts in an emergency: First aiders, rescuers and hospital staff need to work hand in hand and act quickly to save the life of an injured person. This is not always easy, for example when an ambulance or an emergency physician cannot be on site in time. Telemedicine steps in as an additional member of the chain of survival at this point.
Video streaming, apps, and smart glasses: telemedicine on standby
02.07.2018
Looking at the trends and innovations in emergency medicine, it is apparent that the idea of an ambulance as a kind of mobile emergency room that comes to patients, connects them with health professionals and makes a diagnosis en route to the hospital, is gaining momentum. The increased usage of telemedicine plays a big part in this development.
Resuscitation via videostream – how EmergencyEye can save lives
02.07.2018
When the heart stops beating, irreversible brain damage occurs within minutes without resuscitation. Meanwhile, action is only taken in very few instances of cardiac arrest. Even first responders frequently feel helpless in this situation. In Germany, approximately 65,000 people die each year from sudden cardiac arrest. This is where EmergencyEye comes in to offer valuable support.
Emergency medicine: how telemedicine strengthens the chain of survival
02.07.2018
You have probably heard of the chain of survival. It refers to a series of collaborative actions taken by first responders, emergency response systems, and emergency departments to ensure emergency medical services. However, at times, this chain of survival is too long when emergency vehicles have to travel great distances for example.
Augmented Reality: supporting sterile processing services?
08.06.2018
Every day, hospital staff has to manage complex processes to guarantee quality and patient safety. Yet in some areas, the use of checklists and manuals tends to be more cumbersome and not useful – as is the case in sterile processing. A new project studies how augmented reality can take all the necessary information into the staff's field of view.
eHealth and mHealth – smart helpers for people with depression
01.06.2018
Smartphones have become our everyday companions. A lot of people are critical of this: On the one hand, they connect us to everything and everybody, on the other hand, we lack time and concentration for personal contacts and our surroundings because of them. Still, smartphones and other wearables are a great asset for medicine, as they help people to stay healthy or to manage a chronic illness.
From data to diagnosis – digital help for depression
01.06.2018
Few diseases are as difficult to diagnose as depression. What's more, outsiders often don't perceive it as a disease. The reason for this are symptoms that are not directly visible. Sufferers of the disease tend to experience fear, worry, and despair in everyday life, when no doctor is present. This is the starting point for telemedicine tools such as online programs or smartphone apps.
Digital therapist – data protection for depression apps
01.06.2018
The number of people suffering from depression worldwide is steadily increasing – as is the digitization in all areas of life. There is a wide variety of applications designed to make it easier to cope with this disorder. However, patients have to provide very sensitive information when they use these digital therapists. And in doing so, they often divulge more than they realize.
The STEADY project: Managing depression with wearables
01.06.2018
These days, smartphones and wearables of all kinds more or less "incidentally" collect lots of personal data about our lives. Many people have privacy and security concerns – and rightfully so – especially if mountains of data fall into the wrong hands. But what if patients collect their own data and get help to use it for their own purposes?
Light and Bluetooth – dynamic measurement techniques for orthopedics
02.05.2018
X-rays for diagnostic imaging and therapy evaluation are still the norm in orthopedics. Meanwhile, patients who frequently need X-rays are repeatedly exposed to radiation. That's why the University Hospital RWTH Aachen uses and develops methods that are not just radiation-free but can also capture motions.
Hospital logistics – Digitization meets manual labor
16.04.2018
Countless items and products have to get to the right destination in a hospital every day. A complex process runs behind all this, where nothing works without digitization. Still, it also involves a good amount of manual labor. We went behind the scenes to see how hospital logistics work at the University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus in Bochum and the Buttkereit Company in Dortmund.
A startup makes melanin glow: skin cancer diagnostics with Magnosco
09.04.2018
When a skin lesion is suspected to exhibit malignant changes, it is usually promptly removed. However, not all cases require an excision of the affected tissue. The startup company Magnosco has developed a procedure that uses a laser to support the diagnosis and early detection of malignant melanoma.
VR Lab for medical students: linking theory and practice
22.03.2018
Virtual reality and medicine are increasingly mentioned in the same context. In addition to the development of applications that support the treatment of patients suffering from chronic pain and anxiety, this technology also benefits medical staff. Two months ago, the Ulm University Hospital has opened the VR Lab, where medical students can train and learn with the help of 3D organs.
Radiology: machine learning to support medical diagnostics
08.03.2018
Automation makes work life easier in many ways but is it also a solution for analyzing medical images? Is a computer actually reliable enough to assist in the medical decision making process? Researchers in Landshut examine how machine learning algorithms can work more reliably and support radiologists.
Surgical navigation systems – with precision to the destination
06.03.2018
With the help of surgical navigation systems, prostheses or implants can be better inserted. During the procedure, surgeons can see exactly where they need to operate on a screen. Just like a navigation system in the car, navigation in the OR guides you precisely to your destination. At the Uniklinik RWTH Aachen we can find out what advantages this has for physicians and patients.
Of streams and flows – the importance of hospital logistics
01.02.2018
In a hospital, the well-being of patients has top priority. In order to ensure this, medical, sterile and food supplies must be provided quickly and efficiently. Every day in the hospital therefore requires a logistical masterpiece. Digital solutions and automated technologies are particularly useful for storing, ordering, transporting and disposing various products.
Everything flows: transportation and material flows in hospital logistics
01.02.2018
During a visit to the hospital, patients naturally expect to receive comprehensive care. Not only does this include the proper treatment, but also a hospital bed and regular meals for example. Patients typically don't ask about the transport logistics this entails for the hospital.
Eye on material flow: network solutions for hospital logistics
01.02.2018
Hospitals need an accurate assessment of the location and quantity of their materials to eliminate sources of error. Automated processes can also help employees to make these materials available at the right time and at the right place. Digital network systems will substantially support the logistics in the hospital of the future.
Hospital logistics: guarantor of quality and efficiency
01.02.2018
Medical supply distribution, supplying operating rooms with sterile instrument kits, the provision of food and catering services for patients – these are some of the around-the-clock care processes at a hospital. Efficient logistics are crucial to guarantee smooth processes. All of these pieces ultimately come together at the hospital’s in-house logistics center.
Patient science: patients research cystic fibrosis
22.01.2018
Research does not always occur in laboratory settings. As part of citizen science, citizens collect data and make it available for research projects. Now, this approach is also adopted in medicine by way of patient science: in a new project, patients take part in cystic fibrosis research. The goal is to improve the lives of those who are affected by this chronic disease.
OR of the future: Surgical navigation systems and integrated devices
04.01.2018
While it is commonplace for operating room staff to work together as a team, the collaboration of operating room systems does not always work so well – many devices are still separated from one another, causing the OR processes to be prone to mistakes. The same applies to surgical navigation technologies that represent the interface between imaging, the surgeon and therapeutic devices.
jumpBALL – thrombosis prophylaxis easy as child's play
12.12.2017
Improving people's health with wearable technologies – that's the goal of mHealth. We are visiting the University of Kaiserslautern and the wearHEALTH workgroup, which develops these types of mobile health services with funding from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Here, we get to try the game jumpBALL that has been developed by wearHEALTH to support thrombosis prophylaxis.
"Preventicus Heartbeats": An app that's a clinically validated medical device
01.12.2017
Stroke is the second leading cause of death in the world. Yet many incidences of stroke are preventable since they are frequently associated with an undetected abnormal heart rhythm. In this case, patients can benefit from using the clinically validated "Preventicus Heartbeats" app, which measures and documents the heart rhythm with a smartphone camera.
Digital medicine – eHealth and mHealth at MEDICA 2017
15.11.2017
Today, hardly any other sector is as diverse as the information and communication technology. Medicine has been benefitting from this for a long time now. There is a wide variety of digital products for hospitals, medical staff or patients. From small helpers for mobile applications to complex systems – you will find it all at MEDICA 2017.
Hospital care: understanding IT as a tool
15.11.2017
With the increasing digitization, care is undergoing radical change. Irene Maier spoke with us about the advantages of information technology for staff and hospitals. She is the congress president of the German Hospital Conference and opened the forum "Care in Hospitals" at MEDICA 2017 on Wednesday.
On the way to a smart hospital - Interview with Bosch
15.11.2017
Optimized processes, efficient communication technology and intelligent analysis methods - the modern hospital is increasingly turning into a smart hospital. Specific technologies and models can contribute to this development. There are already numerous innovations in the field of IT and communications technology that support this trend. We will learn more at the Bosch stand at MEDICA 2017.
Health-i Award: The best ideas for the health of tomorrow
15.11.2017
The digitalisation of the health care system is making great strides forward. In order to give further impetus to this trend, the Health-i Award brings together experts from business, science and health. In the MEDICA ECON FORUM by TK three promising start-ups were presented.
The MEDICA START-UP PARK: spotlight on young companies
14.11.2017
What's UP? This year, a piece of the future of digital health is shown for the first time in the MEDICA START-UP PARK. Here, young companies can present themselves and establish the contacts they need in the world of medicine to promote their innovations.
Serious Games - getting healthy while playing games
14.11.2017
Gaming is an activity that children as well as adults enjoy. They are fun and challenge our stamina. That’s why serious games are increasingly becoming popluar in physiotherapy and rehabilitation. MEDICA 2017 demonstrates already what applications are available here.
Managing epilepsy with the Smartwatch – Interview with Qolware
13.11.2017
Epilepsy attacks are usually unexpected and can quickly become dangerous for patients travelling alone. A new Smartwatch addresses this problem and promises to remedy it. We take a look at the smart assistant that Qolware will be presenting at MEDICA 2017.
MEDICA 2017: Cutting-edge, look into the future
13.11.2017
For exhibitors and visitors, MEDICA 2017 does not start until Monday. However, the trade press already gets a preview of some selected product highlights on the Sunday before the trade fair. We were there with the camera and met with some exhibitors. They gave us the opportunity to present cutting-edge products and to take a look at the medical technology of the future.
A look at the medicine of tomorrow – At MEDICA Preview in Hamburg
08.11.2017
Every year in September, MEDICA Preview takes place at the University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf. It is intended to give visitors, exhibitors and the trade press a foretaste of MEDICA in November and tomorrow's medicine. This year, we were on the scene with our camera to learn more about opto genetics, smart hospitals and the support of patients with multiple organ failure.
mHealth: how mobile choices can successfully reach users
02.10.2017
mHealth has been slated to revolutionize the healthcare market for the past few years. Yet things are not quite as easy for apps and wearables as it may seem. A recently conducted study reveals that there are still many obstacles to overcome before manufacturers and health professionals can connect with patients and their mobile devices.
mHealth: Doctor in your pocket
02.10.2017
Since the eHealth Law took effect on January 1, 2016, it has become apparent that digitization also affects the healthcare system. Its objective is to improve the digital infrastructure of healthcare. For several years, a subcategory of electronic healthcare solutions has enjoyed increasing popularity: mHealth.
AST@home: A rapid respiratory test for COPD using the smartphone
02.10.2017
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often requires a detailed documentation of the course. As part of the AST@home project, Professor Keywan Sohrabi and Professor Volker Groß at the THM developed an app that enables the monitoring of the course of COPD via smartphone and includes family members or nursing staff.
mHealth: The disease management of tomorrow
02.10.2017
Life is becoming more and more digital. This trend is also reflected in the health care system. Chronically ill patients are a popular and constantly growing target group for the mobile health market. How can patients and doctors benefit from such health treatments? What risks do they entail? We will get to the bottom of these and other questions in our Topic of the Month.
ICAROS VR - Training and Prevention in Virtual Reality
31.08.2017
The term gamification refers to the application of elements of game playing in non-game contexts, for example, to encourage participants to engage in a task that is otherwise deemed too monotonous. We are visiting the German Sport University Cologne to interview Dr. Boris Feodoroff, who together with his team is testing a training device.
New technologies in physiotherapy
01.06.2017
Exoskeletons for arms, hands and legs, videogames that motivate to move or a combination of both: More and more new technologies are being used in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, even in the home environment. They have in common that they support patients and therapists. Learn more about the use of sensor technology, robotics and more in our Topic of the Month June.
"XoSoft" Project – Wearable Intelligent Exoskeleton
01.06.2017
After a stroke or as a result of aging, there are many situations when people are impaired in their walking ability and rely on a personal assistant or auxiliary aids and services. The XoSoft Project offers a solution: a soft exoskeleton that can be worn like a pair of leggings and stiffens or softens, depending on the situation.
Exoskeletons, Serious Games and Co.: New Technologies in Rehabilitation
01.06.2017
A stroke, an accident or just because you are aging – there are many reasons to take advantage of physiotherapeutic or rehabilitative measures. More and more new technologies are designed to support patients in this process. They run the gamut from sensor technology and robotics to exergames and virtual reality.
SilverFit – Training and gaming for the elderly
01.06.2017
Movement is good for health, but people do it less and less as they age. The Dutch company SilverFit wants to counteract this. Their devices that combine sport and game are primarily aimed at elderly people. Their goal: to give people joy, fun and motivation to move – both in rehabilitation and in daily life.
Collect Data? Utilize Data! – The Blessings of Big Data
01.03.2017
Genome data, MRI images, and blood test results – data collected in the medical sector is not only very heterogeneous but also extremely extensive. However, it is important to not only collect this data but to also utilize it. After all, processed, linked and analyzed data provides many opportunities in research, hospital management and ultimately also for the individual patient.
Medical Databases: One for All, All for One
01.03.2017
In the "KDI – Clinical Data Intelligence Project", researchers are trying to consolidate various types of data to make them useable and useful to both medical professionals and scientists. This is a tremendous undertaking, considering the data volumes from different sources. In this conversation with MEDICA, Dr. Martin Sedlmayr explains the project setup.
Big Data – Benefit for the medical sector
01.03.2017
The worldwide amount of digital data doubles every two years. In the medical sector, too, data is not only becoming bigger but is also becoming more. In addition to "classical" patient data like blood parameters or medication, patients' genomes are playing a more and more important role. But how can these data mountains be utilized, how is Big Data evolving to Smart Data?
Smart versus big: how data can assist in the OR
01.03.2017
The OR is the centerpiece of every hospital and also the most expensive resource that should be used efficiently. Yet in reality, there are often delays when interventions are not intelligently scheduled and take place back-to-back. This is why the InnOPlan Research Consortium wants to make surgical device data usable and useful to improve the operating room planning process.
Medical Device that fits in your pocket: music for Tinnitus relief
08.02.2017
Listening to your favorite music for at least 90 minutes a day and treating your tinnitus with it? Almost sounds too good to be true. Yet more and more German statutory health insurance providers pay for this treatment. We wanted to know more about it and spoke with Jörg Land, the CEO of Sonormed GmbH, about Tinnitracks.
Project TeleView – Telemedicine for refugees
23.01.2017
Refugees who come to Germany struggle with language and cultural barriers – also when it comes to medical issues. Patients are often not able to state their medical history or acute conditions, which requires extra time and means increased costs for medical offices and shelters. The telemedicine project TeleView seeks to offer a solution to this problem.
Telemedicine – Immediate and lower-cost care
12.01.2017
Long waiting times in medical practices are not a rarity. The telemedicine can provide remedy. The program of the Institute for Applied Telemedicine at the Heart and Diabetes Center NRW in Bad Oeynhausen is aimed primarily at chronically ill people. Daily, they send their body values via telecommunication to the institute.