And other medical apps
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August permitted the marketing of Natural Cycles, a mobile app with an algorithm that calculates the days of the month a woman is likely to be fertile based on daily body temperature readings and menstrual cycle information, a method of contraception called fertility awareness.
"Consumers are increasingly using digital health technologies to inform their everyday health decisions, and this new app can provide an effective method of contraception if it's used carefully and correctly," says Terri Cornelison, assistant director for the health of women in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "But women should know that no form of contraception works perfectly, so an unplanned pregnancy could still result from correct usage of this device."
Genomic medicine
Oncology is at the leading edge of incorporating genomics, as diagnostics for genetic and genomic markers are increasingly included in cancer screening, and to guide tailored treatment strategies, according to The National Human Genome Research Institute. Genomic medicine is also making an impact in the fields of pharmacology, rare and undiagnosed diseases, and infectious disease. Patient care is now becoming more personalized: the Electronic Medical Record and Genomics Network is exploring the best way to integrate genomic variant information within electronic medical records, and the Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research Program is exploring how best to integrate genome sequencing into clinical practice, to name a few initiatives.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in genomics
Researchers are now using artificial intelligence and machine learning in gene synthesis, understanding the genetic makeup of an organism, building precision and personalized medicines, according to Analytics India Magazine. Microsoft researchers are collaborating with UC Berkeley biologists to develop the Elevation tool, which uses ML to predict the off-target effects during the gene-editing process, which otherwise might accidentally lead to the wrong gene being edited or deleted. Deep Genomics in Canada is using AI to decode genome and determine the best drug therapies based on DNA of the cell.
Advances in immunotherapy for cancer treatment
Cancer immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, is a technique that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer, according to Cleveland Clinic, which named it as a top 10 medical innovation for 2019. "While immunotherapies for cancer have existed for some time, the worldwide work toward a cure for cancer continues to highlight new and novel immunotherapeutic targets," the clinic writes. "Scientists are creating life-changing new cancer treatments through the concepts of joint therapy and engineered T-cells. With the near daily discovery of new immunotherapeutic targets and biomarkers, it is the hope that effective therapies will soon exist for all tumor profiles."
Advertisement
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
By combining IoT development with telemedicine and telehealth technologies, a new Internet of Medical Things has emerged, according to MobiDev, which named IoMT as one of the top technology trends in health care to watch. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year approved Abilify MyCite, a pill with a sensor that digitally tracks if patients have ingested their medication.
The product is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and for use as an add-on treatment for depression in adults. The system works by sending a message from the pill's sensor to a wearable patch, which then transmits the information to a mobile application so that patients can track the ingestion of the medication on their smartphone. Patients can also permit their caregivers and physician to access the information through a web-based portal.
Mental health apps
A number of innovative mobile apps have been launch that focus on protecting or improving mental health using methods including meditation, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy and providing a valuable support network, according to Medical News Today, which listed Moodnotes, Moodpath and Talkspace as some of its top 10 mental health apps. Moodnotes is a thought journal and mood diary to help people improve their thinking habits using cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology. Moodpath asks daily questions in order to assess well-being and screen for symptoms of depression, and every two weeks generates an electronic document that people can discuss with a health care professional. Talkspace connects users to more than 1,000 licensed therapists at a discounted price. A free consultation is provided with a matching agent to identify the ideal therapist for a person's needs based on several factors.
And other medical apps
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August permitted the marketing of Natural Cycles, a mobile app with an algorithm that calculates the days of the month a woman is likely to be fertile based on daily body temperature readings and menstrual cycle information, a method of contraception called fertility awareness.
"Consumers are increasingly using digital health technologies to inform their everyday health decisions, and this new app can provide an effective method of contraception if it's used carefully and correctly," says Terri Cornelison, assistant director for the health of women in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "But women should know that no form of contraception works perfectly, so an unplanned pregnancy could still result from correct usage of this device."
Genomic medicine
Oncology is at the leading edge of incorporating genomics, as diagnostics for genetic and genomic markers are increasingly included in cancer screening, and to guide tailored treatment strategies, according to The National Human Genome Research Institute. Genomic medicine is also making an impact in the fields of pharmacology, rare and undiagnosed diseases, and infectious disease. Patient care is now becoming more personalized: the Electronic Medical Record and Genomics Network is exploring the best way to integrate genomic variant information within electronic medical records, and the Clinical Sequencing Exploratory Research Program is exploring how best to integrate genome sequencing into clinical practice, to name a few initiatives.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in genomics
Researchers are now using artificial intelligence and machine learning in gene synthesis, understanding the genetic makeup of an organism, building precision and personalized medicines, according to Analytics India Magazine. Microsoft researchers are collaborating with UC Berkeley biologists to develop the Elevation tool, which uses ML to predict the off-target effects during the gene-editing process, which otherwise might accidentally lead to the wrong gene being edited or deleted. Deep Genomics in Canada is using AI to decode genome and determine the best drug therapies based on DNA of the cell.
Advances in immunotherapy for cancer treatment
Cancer immunotherapy, or biologic therapy, is a technique that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer, according to Cleveland Clinic, which named it as a top 10 medical innovation for 2019. "While immunotherapies for cancer have existed for some time, the worldwide work toward a cure for cancer continues to highlight new and novel immunotherapeutic targets," the clinic writes. "Scientists are creating life-changing new cancer treatments through the concepts of joint therapy and engineered T-cells. With the near daily discovery of new immunotherapeutic targets and biomarkers, it is the hope that effective therapies will soon exist for all tumor profiles."
Advertisement
The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)
By combining IoT development with telemedicine and telehealth technologies, a new Internet of Medical Things has emerged, according to MobiDev, which named IoMT as one of the top technology trends in health care to watch. For example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year approved Abilify MyCite, a pill with a sensor that digitally tracks if patients have ingested their medication.
The product is approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder and for use as an add-on treatment for depression in adults. The system works by sending a message from the pill's sensor to a wearable patch, which then transmits the information to a mobile application so that patients can track the ingestion of the medication on their smartphone. Patients can also permit their caregivers and physician to access the information through a web-based portal.
Mental health apps
A number of innovative mobile apps have been launch that focus on protecting or improving mental health using methods including meditation, hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy and providing a valuable support network, according to Medical News Today, which listed Moodnotes, Moodpath and Talkspace as some of its top 10 mental health apps. Moodnotes is a thought journal and mood diary to help people improve their thinking habits using cognitive behavioral therapy and positive psychology. Moodpath asks daily questions in order to assess well-being and screen for symptoms of depression, and every two weeks generates an electronic document that people can discuss with a health care professional. Talkspace connects users to more than 1,000 licensed therapists at a discounted price. A free consultation is provided with a matching agent to identify the ideal therapist for a person's needs based on several factors.
And other medical apps
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August permitted the marketing of Natural Cycles, a mobile app with an algorithm that calculates the days of the month a woman is likely to be fertile based on daily body temperature readings and menstrual cycle information, a method of contraception called fertility awareness.
"Consumers are increasingly using digital health technologies to inform their everyday health decisions, and this new app can provide an effective method of contraception if it's used carefully and correctly," says Terri Cornelison, assistant director for the health of women in the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health. "But women should know that no form of contraception works perfectly, so an unplanned pregnancy could still result from correct usage of this device."
© Touchpoint Markets, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more inforrmation visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Katie Kuehner-Hebert
Katie Kuehner-Hebert is a freelance writer based in Running Springs, Calif. She has more than three decades of journalism experience, with particular expertise in employee benefits and other human resource topics.
