Roundup: Korean researchers develop biosensor to monitor serotonin levels in real time and a variety of summary information

Korean researchers develop biosensor to measure serotonin levels in real time

A research team from the Korea Research Institute of Biosciences and Biotechnology has developed a biosensor that can monitor serotonin levels in real time to diagnose depression.

Depression, which affects more than one million South Koreans, is thought to be partly caused by an imbalance in the levels of neurotransmitters in the human body, such as serotonin, which help stabilize mood. Often, serotonin levels are analyzed through mass spectrometry of blood samples which can be time consuming.

To expedite this process, the KRIBB researchers have developed a bioprobe that responds selectively to serotonin and a nanobiosensor that can detect serotonin levels even by combining it with nanofibers. high electrical conductivity.

The sensor responds to serotonin and generates an electrical signal that is used to measure serotonin levels.

In a review of its effectiveness, the biosensor showed a high degree of confidence in detecting serotonin in artificial body fluids. Result of the review was published in the journal Nano Convergence.

Lead researcher Dr Oh-seok Kwon said: “Real-time monitoring of serotonin made it possible for us to observe serotonin’s effects on body function, as well as changes in secretion to response to harmful external stimuli.

Lunit gets Taiwan’s nod for AI mammography solution

Korean medical AI startup Lunit has received approval from the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration for its AI mammography solution.

Its Lunit INSIGHT MMG has been authorized for commercial release in Taiwan as a Class 2 medical device.

The solution uses AI to detect suspicious lesions in mammograms with 96% accuracy.

The company also received similar regulatory approvals for INSIGHT MMG in the United States last year and in Canada in June of this year.

National University of Singapore Cancer Institute publishes cancer treatment cost calculator

The National University of Singapore Cancer Institute has partnered with health technology startup Bot MD to create a tool that calculates the costs of cancer treatment and chemotherapy.

The NCIS or ChemoCalc chemotherapy cost calculator provides an instant estimate of a patient’s monthly out-of-pocket costs based on prescribed cancer treatment, residency status, vehicle testing levels, and eligibility for various government subsidy programs.

This app launches ahead of upcoming changes to the MediShield Life reimbursement model, which will only include an active list of clinically proven and effective cancer treatments cost.

“Due to the upcoming policy changes from the Department of Health, we wanted to create a simple and effective tool to help our patients understand the costs of their treatment, so they can be empowered to make informed decisions. decisions about their care, factor these costs into their budget, and seek help early if the costs are too high for them,” said Dr. Jen Wei Ying, associate consultant at the Department of Health. Hematology-Oncology NCIS explains.

Chinese insurance technology company Waterdrop launches AI virtual assistant for insurance providers

Beijing-based insurance technology company Waterdrop recently unveiled an AI-powered virtual assistant for insurance providers.

According to a press release, Waterdrop Assistant is a human-like digital assistant that helps online insurance service teams perform tasks, including data processing and analysis, online user management, and more. online and customer services.

It can carry out simple conversations with customers, documenting and matching their protection needs and intentions to buy insurance. According to the company, the digital assistant is already proficient with more than 100 insurance products on Waterdrop’s data library.

Since launch, Waterdrop Assistant has processed 86% of user sessions with 97% accuracy for intent recognition, freeing up approximately 37% of customer service staff and increasing policy renewal rates.

Medical imaging company United Imaging Healthcare launched in Shanghai

Chinese medical imaging equipment and equipment supplier United Imaging Healthcare has listed its shares in China through a listing on the Science and Technology Innovation Board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Net proceeds from the $1.6 billion initial public offering will go toward research and development of next-generation products, industrialization and other projects. network marketing services project.

United Imaging products have been approved by medical and research organizations in more than 40 countries worldwide, including the United States, Japan, Italy and New Zealand.