AI Speech, Clinical Accuracy, Exosuits and More!

Hey Innovators! 👋 

We've got a pulse-pounding edition of disruptive digital health developments to dive into. From AI speech restoration to marathon-running motivation, this newsletter decodes and demystifies the technologies transforming healthcare. We know you can't resist the siren call of cutting-edge health tech - so get ready to satisfy your curiosity as we spotlight scrappy startups, recap notable breakthroughs, and keep you plugged into the promise of forward-thinking tech. Let's get your neurons firing with the latest and greatest advancements!

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🤖 AI

Giving Voice to the Voiceless: How AI is Restoring Speech to Paralyzed Patients

After suffering a devastating brainstem stroke at age 30, Ann lost the ability to move or speak. Through a breakthrough brain implant developed by UC San Francisco and UC Berkeley researchers, this paralyzed woman is now able to communicate fluently via a digital avatar that synthesizes her attempted speech and facial expressions in real time. This groundbreaking technology reads Ann's brain signals, decodes them into words at nearly 80 wpm, and animates a customizable avatar - all using artificial intelligence. For the first time in 18 years, Ann can 'speak' conversationally and recreate her unique voice. This remarkable innovation promises to restore natural communication and independence to patients robbed of speech due to paralysis or neurological disease.

Ann is a pioneer, collaborating with Dr. Edward Chang's team at UCSF to create technology that gives a voice to the voiceless. Her groundbreaking efforts are instrumental in the development of brain implants that can restore speech to paralyzed patients. Video by Pete Bell

Main Source | Special Shout to Rowan Cheung for sharing the post

ChatGPT Shows 72% Clinical Accuracy in MGB Study, Demonstrating Promise for Healthcare AI

A new study from Mass General Brigham puts ChatGPT to the test in simulated clinical encounters, with mixed results. Across 36 patient case studies, the large language model achieved 72% accuracy in clinical decision-making - on par with a new medical school grad. However, ChatGPT struggled most with generating differential diagnoses, at just 60% accuracy. While showing potential, researchers say the AI still cannot match a physician's expertise, especially in early information gathering. Further research is needed before integration into care delivery. But MGB sees promise in using ChatGPT to aid clinicians, not replace them. With refinement, AI like ChatGPT may one day improve care and reduce physician burden.

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🏃‍♂️ Get Healthy

Take the First Step: 6-Week Plan to Your First 5K

In a recent LinkedIn post, personal development blogger Pallav Kulhari shares his free 6-week training program to complete your first 5K run. Starting with short, manageable workouts, his plan eases beginners into running shape through a personalized schedule, progress trackers, and Google Calendar reminders. While not claiming to be a professional fitness coach, Kulhari advocates the mind-body benefits of running as a self-improvement habit. Requiring just over 1% of your time, he encourages taking this small step toward increased energy and reduced stress. If interested, simply comment "INTERESTED" to begin the journey.

🕰️ Blasts from the Past: This Day in Medical History

Here are 5 interesting events in medical history that occurred on this date, August 30

• |In 1854, the first medical school for women opened in Boston. The New England Female Medical College paved the way for women to formally enter the medical profession.

• In 1918, the first case of a disease that would become known as Spanish flu was reported at an army base in Kansas. This deadly strain of influenza would go on to kill over 50 million people worldwide.

• In 1967, the first successful heart transplant was performed by Dr. Christiaan Barnard in South Africa. The pioneering surgery demonstrated the feasibility of transplanting hearts and gave hope to many patients.

• In 1995, Diethylstilbestrol (DES), a drug widely prescribed to prevent miscarriages, was banned in the United States. DES was found to cause vaginal cancer and other health issues in the daughters of women who took it.

• And in 2014, the Ebola outbreak in West Africa was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization. This marked the beginning of the devastating 2014-2016 epidemic.

🌐 Robotics

New Exosuit Aims to Ease Healthcare Workers' Physical Burden

German robotics company German Bionic has unveiled a new exosuit designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Called Apogee+, the lightweight suit assists with walking, lifting, and bending - addressing the physical toll of long hospital shifts. With healthcare worker burnout spiking amid the pandemic, the suit could help make these demanding jobs more sustainable. German Bionic hopes advanced ergonomic technology can attract and retain staff, touting flexible "leasing" options for cost-conscious facilities. While adoption may be gradual, suits like Apogee+ showcase promising innovation to support overburdened healthcare heroes. Even small strain reductions could make a big difference for nurses' and aides' health and patient care.

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💰  Healthcare Startups

• BrightInsight (digital health/biopharma solutions) raised $101M in Series C funding led by General Catalyst and Optum Ventures.

• Velocity Clinical Research (digital-based clinical trials) raised $72M in Series B funding led by Great Point Partners.

• aiSim (AI-powered clinical decision support) raised $64M in Series B funding led by Addition.

• Equip Health (home-based senior care) raised $50M in Series B funding led by Lakestar.

• Vera Whole Health (value-based primary care) raised $20M in funding led by Nueterra Capital.BrightInsight (digital health/biopharma solutions) raised $101M in Series C funding led by General Catalyst and Optum Ventures.

🔒 HealthTech News

AI-Written Prescriptions
Startup Anthropic is testing new AI that can generate full medical prescriptions. If approved, the tech could automate routine scripts and ease doctor workloads. But physician oversight remains critical.

VR for EMS Training
Virtual reality helps train first responders to handle emergencies more safely and effectively. Healthcare systems like Cedars-Sinai now use VR to simulate lifelike trauma scenarios from mass shootings to childbirth.

Smart Toilets for Health Monitoring
From blood sugar to pregnancy tests, smart toilets can screen for medical conditions via urine. Companies like Withings see big potential for passive monitoring and early disease detection with these innovative devices. 

🌎  LATAM

Combating Mental Health Crisis in Latin America with AI Chatbot

Yana, a Mexican 🇲🇽 mental health startup, has integrated cutting-edge generative AI into its chatbot platform to provide emotional support and mental health tools to Latin America's underserved population. With over 13 million users across 35 countries, Yana's AI has engaged in 2 billion conversations, getting smarter and safer. Founded in 2016 by Andrea Campos after her own struggles with depression, Yana's goal is to transform access to mental healthcare in a region where 1 in 5 people have a mental disorder. After implementing generative AI, Yana's weekly downloads doubled and user engagement surged 1900%. This innovative use of AI conversational agents aims to provide compassionate, judgement-free support 24/7 to all who are suffering.

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That’s all for this week.
The Pulse Disruption Team