Roundup: AI for predicting Alzheimer’s risk, training staff and more briefs

HKUST-led study combines AI, genetic info to predict Alzheimer’s risk

A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has made an AI model that uses genetic information to predict the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease before the onset of symptoms. 

The team, which includes researchers from Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology and University College London, as well as local clinicians from Prince of Wales Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital, established a deep learning model for estimating polygenic risks of Alzheimer’s in European and Chinese populations. 

Based on findings, which were published in the journal Communications Medicine, the model is able to accurately classify patients with Alzheimer’s and stratify them into distinct groups based on disease risks associated with the alteration of various biological processes.

The researchers are now working to refine the AI model and plan to incorporate it into standard screening workflows.

Pristyn Care uses AI to train care coordinators

Tech-enabled surgical healthcare provider Pristyn Care from India has adopted an AI trainer to standardise the training for its care coordinators.

Based on a press release, about a hundred care coordinators will undergo an intensive training programme through Mira.ai. Featuring 92 modules across 13 medical categories, the AI-powered trainer ensures they have the necessary skills to assist patients and provide the highest quality of care.

In the next phase of implementation, the company plans to extend the application of Mira.ai to doctors, partner hospitals, and paramedical staff.

Vuno developing health content with Weknew

South Korean medical AI company Vuno has recently tied up with health information platform Weknew to develop reliable content for chronic disease patients on the Hativ Care mobile app.

Launched in January, Hativ Care is the companion mobile app to the Hativ ECG monitoring device. It records and manages patients’ health data, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight. Vuno intends to turn Hativ Care into a super app for chronic disease management that promotes daily healthy habits and fosters a community for sharing medical and health information.

Through the collaboration with Weknew, the mobile app will now feature medical and health content that is based on research and vetted by health specialists. 

Health Basix secures new funding for local expansion

Health Basix, a tech-enabled paediatric healthcare provider, has received undisclosed funding from a recent bridge round led by Trivitron Healthcare chairman Dr G.S.K. Velu and Callapina Capital. 

Directly partnering with schools, the company runs school clinics with paediatric EMR that provide primary, emergency, and preventive healthcare services. It also offers mental health counselling and social-emotional learning programmes, regular health assessments, and special education services. It has a mobile app for parents to book appointments with paediatric specialists, family counselling services, and special privileges at neighbourhood clinics, pharmacies, hospitals, ophthalmologists, and dentists. 

With its latest funds, Health Basix plans to scale its presence across 30 cities in eight Indian states. Currently, it serves schoolchildren in over 100 schools. 

Daewoong Pharmaceutical to Sky Labs’ ring BP monitor

Seoul-based Daewoong Pharmaceutical has signed a deal to distribute the CART-I continuous blood pressure monitor by Sky Labs.

It secured the exclusive sales rights to distribute the ring-shaped cuffless BP monitor to hospitals and clinics across South Korea starting in September.