All articles by Amit Thadani
Amit Thadani
A new level of usability
With the combined power of three organisations with expertise in molecular testing, immunoassays, diagnostic equipment and more, Uniogen’s latest coronavirus test offers fast and dependable results. The availability of the RT-qPCR method and its high sensitivity place it as a reliable form of testing with a relatively simple process.
T cells leading the way
While Covid-19 testing and vaccine monitoring is important in reducing disease transmission and for clinical management, antibody tests have limitations, particularly with new variants like Omicron. Here, Dr Anthony Allen of Oxford Immunotec describes how T cell tests help provide a fuller picture of an individual’s immune response and could be a significant addition to the Covid-19 test panel, less affected by the changing landscape of variants of concern.
Microbiology’s merits when assessing antimicrobial resistance
Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem partially due to the high levels of antibiotics that are administered in healthcare departments across the world – but how can microbiologists help? Beckman Coulter, manufacturer of the MicroScan range of microbiology testing instruments, asks one of its customers, Dr Giancarlo Basaglia, head of the department of microbiology and virology at the Western Friuli Health Authority (AS FO).
Improved accuracy in brain trauma assessment
A traumatic brain injury is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, disrupting the normal function of the brain. It is the most common neurological disorder worldwide, contributing to more death and disability than any other traumatic injury. Dr Beth McQuiston, medical director for Abbott, discusses the benefits of a biomarker in head trauma assessment, tools used today and the integration of the traumatic brain injury test into clinical practices.
Biogen partners with MedRhythms to develop digital therapeutic for multiple sclerosis
MR-004 is an investigational prescription digital therapeutic that leverages a combination of sensors, software, and music based on Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation (RAS)
Don’t lose heart
Thanks to medical advances, we are living longer than any time in history. But an ageing population brings added risks, one being heart failure. According to the World Heart Federation, there are 26 million people suffering from heart failure globally, and that number is increasing. Kim Thomas speaks to cardiovascular experts Stefan Anker and Abbas Bitar about the technology and therapeutic developments they expect to improve critical care for patients with heart conditions.
Smart brain surgery
The brain is incredibly complex, with certain parts and processes still a mystery to us. It is that level of complexity that necessitates a skilful pair of hands during surgery on the organ. But as with all areas of medicine, technological progression has brought aids that help guide procedures and reduce the rate of complications. Isabel Ellis speaks to Shadi Dayeh, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of California San Diego, and Kevin Lee, professor of neuroscience at the University of Virginia, about how their technologies could make brain surgery safer and smarter.
The desired effect
Cannabidiol continues to be marketed as a non-intoxicating substance with wellness benefits. While still only licensed as a treatment for childhood epilepsies and forms of multiple sclerosis, doctors are experimenting with CBD for pain relief, and as a novel treatment for anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Is it a panacea or a lucrative snake oil? Will Moffitt discusses the potential of this illusive compound with Steven Moore, co-founder of The Association for the Cannabinoid Industry, and Mikael Sodergren, founder of the Medical Cannabis Research Group.
Limiting the spread
Hospitals continue to deal with Covid-19 patients alongside their usual intake, elevating the importance of infection control procedures in place to prevent disease from spreading. Jim Banks speaks to infection control experts B. Aditya Prakash of the Georgia Institute of Technology and Dr David Kuhar, who leads the CDC’s hospital infection prevention team, to better understand how to prevent hospital-acquired infections, and what has changed during the pandemic.
Time to heal
Technological limitations and a conservative mindset among health professionals have meant that smart wound dressings are yet to be commercialised. Elly Earls speaks with Conor O’Mahony at the Tyndall National Institute and Dr Marta Tessarolo of the University of Bologna about how we could soon reach a tipping point where technology and user need come together.