All articles by ky nikitha
ky nikitha
Future shock
Electrotherapy units have been a part of doctors’ arsenals for decades, yet their use has long been hampered by technical drawbacks and dangerous side effects. But with the rise of nanotechnology, scientists finally have the chance to bring electrotherapy into our century. Andrea Valentino talks to Dr Xudong Wang, a professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, about how the humble bandage is now at the forefront of medical life.
Nudge in the right direction
Hand hygiene is, of course, paramount to prevent infections but boosting compliance remains challenging. Nudging, a gentle push to encourage a desirable behaviour, could provide an easily implemented, inexpensive measure to address the issue. Emma Green speaks to Martine Caris, resident in internal medicine from the Department of Internal Medicine at OLVG Hospital, Amsterdam, about the potential of this novel approach.
From past to present
Surgical site infections are the most common healthcare-associated infections, resulting in widespread suffering and economic loss. Adrian Gombart, author and professor of biochemistry and biophysics in Oregon State University’s College of Science, and Jingwei Xie, assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Centre, discuss the opportunities of nanofibre-based dressings for wound care.
Critical hit
In the past few decades, we have witnessed a particularly rapid period of technological advancement in the area of critical care, with data and the need to interpret it now an integral part of the field. Emma Green explores these developments and considers the implications for optimising patient care.
Back and forth
A team of international researchers has developed a new methodology that can better determine the mortality risk associated with the combination of early detection through screening and stage specific therapy. Sally Turner talks to the project’s leaders about the important findings and implications of the study.
Better connected
Patients’ access to treatment and advice is already dramatically improving, as a result of mobile health, or ‘mHealth’. Now, when combined with internet-connected diagnostic devices, it offers novel ways to diagnose, track and control infectious diseases, and to improve the efficiency of the health system. A research team led by Imperial College London has investigated the opportunities and challenges of these technologies. Louise Thomas considers the implications for healthcare worldwide.
Tools of the trade
The Patient Toolkit, developed by the non-profit MITRE Corporation, allows patients to digitally record symptoms, treatments and medications, as well as communicate with providers. It also addresses the needs of healthcare professionals, by generating longitudinal severity and compliance data. Kristina Sheridan, head of the enterprise strategy and transformation department at the MITRE Corporation, and her daughter, Kate Sheridan, discuss how this technology can be used to optimise the care provided to patients.
Map the future
Hot on the heels of the success of the NHS’s 100,000 Genomes Project, which finished at the end of 2018, the NHS Genomic Medicine Service is due to be launched later this year. It aims to bring equitable access to genetic and genomic testing to patients in the UK to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and rare diseases. Professor Clare Turnbull, researcher and consultant at the Royal Marsden Hospital, speaks to Emma Green about how this technology can enhance diagnostic strategies.
Lessons to be learned
Medical imaging has revolutionised healthcare delivery and the next generation of imaging technology promises to be even more powerful, further enhancing the ability of physicians to diagnose and treat an increasingly wide range of diseases at lower radiation doses. Developments in AI are helping improve both efficiency and effectiveness of diagnosis and care. Ajay Kohli, physician at Drexel College of Medicine in Philadelphia, speaks about the recent technological advances within AI.
On the paper trail
Researchers from Eindhoven University of Technology in the Netherlands and Japan’s Keio University have developed a glow-in-the-dark paper strip for quick detection of infectious diseases. Maarten Merkx, a researcher from Eindhoven University of Technology, talks to Abi Millar about the potential of this technology to provide cost-effective and efficient diagnosis.