A team of researchers from the USA and Cameroon has developed a non-invasive device that can detect malaria without requiring a single drop of blood. The device, called Cytophone, uses photoacoustic flow cytometry to rapidly identify malaria-infected red blood cells. Initial testing in 30 Cameroonian adults diagnosed with uncomplicated malaria showed promising results, with 95%…
health on The Soothsayer / page 11
Researchers in South Africa have updated the country’s health-research ethics guidelines to include a new section on heritable human genome editing, a technique that involves introducing genetic changes to sperm, eggs, or embryos, which will be passed down through successive generations. This move has sparked concerns globally, as it could put South Africa one step…
A UK-based health technology start-up, Siloton, has made a significant breakthrough in the development of a portable optical coherence tomography (OCT) system. This innovative technology uses photonic integrated circuits to miniaturize expensive and fragile optical components, making it possible to capture high-quality images of the human retina. The system has the potential to revolutionize the…
In a groundbreaking episode of “The Joy of Why” podcast, mathematician and statistician Emmanuel Candès discusses the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on prediction science. Candès explains how AI models, often referred to as “black boxes,” can make successful predictions without fully understanding the underlying mechanisms. He also highlights the importance of quantifying uncertainty in…
Nanotechnology is transforming the healthcare industry with its potential to revolutionize drug delivery, diagnostics, and treatment of various diseases. Eight companies, including Sona Nanotech, Nanobiotix, and ARIZ Precision Medicine, are at the forefront of this revolution, developing innovative nanotechnology-based solutions for cancer treatment, autoimmune diseases, and other conditions. These companies are leveraging nanotechnology to create…
The biopharma industry is in need of talented minds to take promising pipelines to the clinic and beyond. Venture capitalists have nominated prominent founders and entrepreneurs in the biotech industry who are committed to bringing potentially life-changing treatments to market. These entrepreneurs have proven their expertise in hitting milestones, be it in the lab or…
A new wave of biomimicry companies is harnessing the power of nature to develop innovative treatments for various diseases. By studying the properties of plants and animals, these companies are creating novel therapeutic targets and drugs that mimic natural protective mechanisms. From tick saliva to snake venom, these biomimicry companies are unlocking the secrets of…
The biotech industry has seen a surge in the number of unicorns, with over 1,200 companies worldwide achieving valuations of over $1 billion. However, biotech unicorns are relatively rare, with only a few companies making it to the top. This article takes a closer look at 12 biotech unicorns that are making waves in the…
As climate change threatens global food production, researchers and environmental advocates are turning to regenerative agriculture as a solution. By improving soil health, crops can become more resilient to drought and extreme weather. Governments are being urged to offer financial incentives to farmers who adopt regenerative practices, which include crop rotation, cover cropping, and boosting…
A recent study published in the journal Science has found a link between sugary diets in the first two years of life and a higher risk of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure decades later. The study analyzed data from the UK sugar rationing in the 1950s and found that children who consumed more…
