TOP STORIES
The FDA cleared Wicab’s “BrainPort,” a device that helps blind people use electronic impulses on their tongues to see. The device has been under clinical evaluations and regulatory review for more than five years.
The device has a small video camera attached to a pair of sunglasses which are connected to a mouthpiece containing 400 electrodes. Pixels from the camera are translated into pulses, giving the user a feeling of having the “Pop Rocks” candy in their mouth. According to the FDA, the device can help the user determine, “location, position, size, and shape of objects, and to determine if objects are moving or stationary.”
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
According to a new study, the most recent HPV vaccine Gardasil 9, manufactured by Merck, prevents at least four different types of cancer. The vaccine protects against nine strains of HPV which is transmitted through direct or indirect contact with the genitals of an infected person.
LIFE SCIENCES
Planned Parenthood launched a DIY STD home testing kit for people in the three states that permit it: California, Minnesota and Washington state. Residents can download “Planned Parenthood Direct” through Apple and Android app stores. The test kit for chlamydia and gonorrhea costs $149, but the app is free.
Masimo released a wireless fingertip pulse oximeter that can connect to smart phones and tablets to allow physicians to track hours of data regarding oxygen saturation, pulse rate, the Perfusion Index, and the Pleth Variability Index.
A major obstacle to privately-funded medical marijuana research was lifted, effective immediately. Private researchers will no longer have to submit a study proposal to the FDA and to a separate Public Health Service board, get a marijuana permit from the DEA, or obtain a quantity of medical marijuana from the Drug Supply Program.
PAYERS-PROVIDERS
In response to physician concerns about increasingly costly cancer drugs, the American Society of Clinical Oncology released a new way to evaluate the cost and value of cancer drugs. ASCO President Julie Vose said in a statement:
“Value and cost are among the biggest issues in healthcare today, but there are few tools to help doctors and patients objectively assess benefits, side effects and costs…Our goal is to help oncologists and their patients weigh potential treatment options based on high-quality scientific evidence and a thoughtful assessment of each patient’s needs and goals.”
At two Connecticut hospitals, about 800 nursing assistants and other workers voted to not establish a union after discussing concerns regarding higher pay.
Doctors warned against squatting in skinny jeans after a woman had to be hospitalized after helping a friend move. She had to be hospitalized with muscle damage, swelling, and nerve blockages in her legs.
TECH
Patient engagement startup Wellframe has inked a deal with Thresholds, an organization that provides healthcare and housing for persons with mental illnesses in Illinois each year. Wellframe will provide its members in the Veterans Project with access to Wellframe’s app to help them navigate the healthcare system
Smart Vision Labs raised $6.1 million to fund the development of a device that connects with an iPhone, letting doctors perform mobile eye exams.
During the Women’s World Cup, the US Women’s National Team is using Polar wearables over Apple Watches and FitBits to gather team training information.
POLITICS
A LITTLE EXTRA
Tech company CropX created a package of sensors that helps farmers determine how much water to use in different parts of their fields in attempts to help solve the California drought problem.
The Morning Read provides a 24-hour wrap up of everything else healthcare’s innovators need to know about the business of medicine (and beyond). The author of The Read published it but all full-time MedCity News journalists contribute to its content.
Photo: wicab.com
