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Scientists will Soon spot Diseases and find exoplanets with super Tiny photonic devices

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Researchers working in Sweden have created a microcomb capable of detecting diseases faster and making optical communications systems more efficient, among other exciting applications.

The scientists at the Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have built the photonic device (microcomb) with the capability to produce optical frequencies on a micro resonator – a minute optical cavity.

Effectively, the microcomb is like a ruler of light that measures frequencies with extreme accuracy.

The microcomb generates an array of optical frequencies whose colors are evenly distributed, making it more or less a ruler of light that measures and produces frequencies with extreme accuracy.

The researchers used a chip to develop a new microcomb based on two micro resonators instead of one. The interaction between the two micro resonators is similar to atoms that bind together to create a diatomic molecule known as a photonic molecule.

The microcomb is a device that is readable and capable of being tuned as well as being replicated into something multiple times more efficient than the best devices available at the moment.

The results are extremely significant. “The reason why the results are important is that they represent a unique combination of characteristics, in terms of efficiency, low-power operation and control, that are unprecedented in the field,” explained PhD candidate Óskar Bjarki Helgason.

This is by no means the first time that scientists have created a microcomb on a chip, but it is definitely the first time that scientists have deployed a second micro resonator to beat many of the limitations that have never been surmounted before.

The arrangement has created a number of unique characteristics. The microcomb is so small that it can sit on the tip of a human hair and leaves relatively wide gaps between its teeth.

These wide teeth mean that engineers and researchers have massive opportunities to explore the possibilities.

The microcomb is capable of making optical communication systems vastly more efficient by replacing many lasers with a single microcomb placed in data centers.

The microcombs have great potential for use in lidar to power self-driving vehicles where they can be deployed to record distances, or to calibrate spectrographs deployed in astronomical observations.

Microcombs are also ideal for making optical clocks more accurate as well as improving health monitoring apps in mobile phones, and increasing the accuracy of diagnostic tests that rely on analyzing exhaled air.

“For the technology to be practical and find its use outside the lab, we need to co-integrate additional elements with the micro resonators, such as lasers, modulators, and control electronics,” explained Dr Victor Torres-Company, who is in charge of the Ultrafast Photonics Laboratory at Chalmers University. “This is a huge challenge, that requires maybe five to 10 years and an investment in engineering research, but I am convinced that it will happen.

“The most interesting advances and applications are the ones that we have not even conceived of yet. This will likely be enabled by the possibility of having multiple microcombs on the same chip. What could we achieve with tens of microcombs that we cannot do with one?”

Health & Fitness

The Dawn of AI-Enhanced Rehabilitation: How AI-Powered Trousers are Revolutionizing Stroke Recovery

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In the quaint town of Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan, a remarkable story of resilience and technological innovation is unfolding. Julie Lloyd, a 65-year-old stroke survivor, is relearning to walk, aided by a groundbreaking piece of technology: trousers powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This pioneering trial in the UK marks a significant leap in medical technology, offering new hope to stroke victims worldwide.

The Breakthrough in Stroke Rehabilitation

Julie’s journey is not just a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for millions affected by strokes. According to the World Health Organization, strokes are the second leading cause of death globally, and the leading cause of acquired disability among adults. The road to recovery is often long and arduous, with traditional rehabilitation methods providing varying degrees of success.

The AI-powered trousers represent a paradigm shift in rehabilitation technology. As Julie puts it, “I really feel this is the breakthrough for stroke victims that has been much and long awaited for.” This sentiment echoes the sentiments of many in the medical community who have long sought more effective ways to aid stroke recovery.

How the Technology Works

The AI trousers are a marvel of modern engineering and medical science. They function by using a series of sensors and motors that work in tandem with the wearer’s movements. This technology is not just about physical support; it’s about enhancing the body’s natural ability to relearn movements. The AI component analyses the wearer’s gait, providing real-time adjustments to improve walking patterns, much like a physical therapist would.

This approach is grounded in the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. By assisting in the correct movement patterns, the trousers help the brain to ‘relearn’ walking, potentially speeding up the recovery process.

The Impact on Stroke Rehabilitation

The implications of this technology are vast. For stroke survivors, the journey to recovery can be filled with frustration and despair. Traditional rehabilitation methods can be slow and, at times, ineffective. The AI trousers offer a more dynamic and responsive form of therapy that could revolutionize how we approach stroke rehabilitation.

In a study conducted by the American Stroke Association, it was found that early and individualized rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes for stroke survivors. The AI trousers align perfectly with this philosophy, offering a tailored rehabilitation experience that adapts to the individual’s needs.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite the promise, the road ahead for AI in medical rehabilitation is not without challenges. Cost and accessibility are significant concerns. Cutting-edge technology often comes with a high price tag, potentially putting it out of reach for many who could benefit from it.

Moreover, there’s the challenge of integrating such technology into existing healthcare systems. As noted by experts in healthcare technology, the adoption of new medical technologies often faces hurdles in terms of regulatory approval, practitioner training, and patient acceptance.

However, the future looks bright. As AI and robotics continue to advance, we can expect these technologies to become more affordable and widespread. The potential for AI to aid in various aspects of healthcare, from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, is enormous.

Conclusion

Julie Lloyd’s story is just the beginning. As we stand on the cusp of a new era in medical technology, the possibilities are endless. The AI-powered trousers are more than just a piece of technology; they are a symbol of hope and a testament to human ingenuity. For stroke survivors around the world, this could be the dawn of a new day in rehabilitation, one where technology and human resilience come together to create new possibilities.

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AI-Powered Medical Database Aims to Revolutionize Doctor-Patient Interactions

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is making inroads into various sectors, and healthcare is no exception. According to a recent NPR article, Dr. Michael Mansour of Massachusetts General Hospital is among the early adopters testing an AI-enhanced version of UpToDate, a widely-used medical database. This experimental version employs generative AI to provide doctors with more targeted information, aiming to streamline the diagnostic process.

Wolters Kluwer Health, the company behind UpToDate, is working on making the database more conversational, allowing doctors to maintain the context of their queries. While the technology is still in beta and has some kinks to work out, the potential is enormous. AI could not only assist in making accurate diagnoses but also free up doctors’ time, allowing them to focus more on patient care. As Dr. Marc Succi of Mass General Brigham aptly puts it, “AI won’t replace doctors, but doctors who use AI will replace doctors who do not.”

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A New way around Drug Resistant Tuberculosis

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Researchers at Purdue University have created a powerful compound that specifically tackles Tuberculosis, a leading killer worldwide.

The scientists came up with a series of inhibitors that destroy TB by targeting a protein necessary for the survival of the TB molecule.

Tuberculosis destabilizes the immunity of patients with the help of Protein Tyrosine Phosphates B (mPTPB). Their findings were published in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.

“The death toll from TB is particularly high because of drug-resistant strains,” said Zhong-Yin Zhang, distinguished professor and head of Purdue’s Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology and director of Purdue Institute for Drug Discovery. “These inhibitors are part of a promising new approach to developing TB therapeutic agents with novel targets and mechanisms of action to help save more lives.”

Right now, doctors rely on antibiotic preparations to treat Tuberculosis. The problem is that many patients don’t complete their dose of antibiotics and this non-adherence leads to the development of drug resistant tuberculosis.

“We developed a platform to target mPTPB for novel anti-TB agents that builds on technologies we pioneered to modulate abnormal protein tyrosine phosphatase activity for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders,” Zhang elaborated.

According to Zhang, the inhibitors’ have unique properties that make them incredibly useful. They have a lighter molecular weight and superior metabolic stability. They give scientists an excellent opportunity to create better treatments for Tuberculosis.

The visionary scientists are already working to patent the exciting new technology. The hunt is on for partners who will work with Purdue to further the development of the new technology. This is together with the Purdue Research Foundation Office of Technology Commercialization.

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