August Neurotech News Summary
Neurotechnology, the use of medical electronics on the human nervous system, is offering new options for people living with various conditions, enhancing diagnoses and aiding in human performance. Let’s take a look at what made headlines over the month of August 2020. These headlines address technical advancements, changes in access and expanding applications of current technologies.
Technology and Access Developments
- A new study suggestions the use of ultrasound to detect echointensity of muscles may be a tool to diagnose amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The study was published in the Journal Muscle & Nerve.
- More evidence was published to help those living with treatment-resistant depression. A recently published study in JAMA shows magnetic seizure therapy can help reduce overall remission rate from suicidality by 47.8%.
- In a market survey study published this month reported of the 1,000 women with bladder weakness and living in Ireland that they surveyed: “1 in 3 are unaware that solutions exist to treat bladder weakness.”
- spineX announced the publication of their latest case study using a non-invasive spinal neuromodulation device for breathing. Their technology focuses on recovery of functions due to paralysis.
- BrainsWay gained FDA clearance for the use of their deep transcranial magnetic stimulation for smoking addiction. The new treatment will help adults kick the smoking habit.
- Study results show the use of non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) paired with speech sounds enhances speech learning in adults. It was published in the journal Nature and it open access.
- For those living with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, there is an alternative treatment in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). MagVenture gains FDA clearance.
- Valencia Technologies Corporation submitted files to the FDA for their tibial nerve stimulator targeting a minimally invasive solution for people living with overactive bladder.
- Myomo, Inc. received First Australia Insurance coverage for their upper extremity robotic helpful for those with paralysis.
- Neurolief gained breakthrough status from the FDA for their headset device for treatment of major depressive disorder.
Business Arrangements & News
- Thalamus is a young company to watch out of Ontario, Canada. They are developing a new Smart Walker to help prevent falls common among those who are elderly.
- A new Brain Access Development Kit was released this month to help further the air in the development of brain interfaces. The kit is designed to use EEG for brain interfacing.
- The National Science Foundation’s NeuroNex program will support a 10 institution effort to better understand brain health. The effort will be led by Kristen Harris from The University of Texas at Austin
- Exoskeleton report was presented by Bobby Marinov during his summer 2020 webinar. It provides an updated look at the exoskeleton industry and applications.
- There is new leadership at Helius Medical Technologies including their interim president, Dane Andreeff. Helius is sponsoring clinical trials for their PoNS treatment for multiple sclerosis.
- Elon Musk presented the latest updates from his brain interface company, Neuralink. Using innovative brain chip technology, a precision robot and adaptive interfaces, they hope to tackle some of the intriguing challenges of medical conditions, consciousness, and efficiency.
August is National Wellness Month
What are you doing on your journey to wellness?
Here’s our monthly commentary on neurotech wellness devices.
Learn about the different categories, what is available and how the technology evolved.
Click here to read the free article.
To follow our briefs throughout the month, follow us at Twitter or LinkedIn. Check out our resource directory on our website to find neurotechnologies for specific conditions.
The content for this article was provided by Neurotech Network. Help us support these free resources with a donation.
