Author: Staff Writer

First-Ever Successfully Mind Controlled Robotic Arm Without Brain Implants

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What it matters:

A brain-computer interface (BCI) has already been successful in controlling a robotic arm. However, researchers have previously used invasive brain implants to do so.

Traditionally BCIs that use noninvasive external sensing, rather than brain implants, received “dirtier” signals, leading to a lower resolution and less precise control.

However, these implants require a substantial amount of medical and surgical expertise to correctly install and operate, not to mention the cost and potential risks to subjects. As such, their use has been limited to just a few clinical cases.

Being able to noninvasively control robotic devices using only thoughts will have a wide range of applications, in particular benefiting the lives of the paralyzed. But the real world possibilities are much broader.

How it works:

Using novel sensing and machine learning techniques the research team has been able to access signals deep within the brain, achieving a high resolution of control than previously possible.

This enhanced framework has overcome the ‘noisy’ electroencephalogram (EEG) signals leading to significantly improve EEG-based sensory information and facilitate real-time continuous robotic device control.

Ask the expert:

Bin He, Trustee Professor and Department Head of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University

“There have been major advances in mind-controlled robotic devices using brain implants. It’s excellent science. But noninvasive is the ultimate goal.”

“Using a noninvasive BCI to control a robotic arm that’s tracking a cursor on a computer screen, for the first time ever, has shown human subjects that a robotic arm can now follow the cursor continuously.”

“Whereas robotic arms controlled by humans noninvasively had previously followed a moving cursor in a jerky, discrete motion, as though the robotic arm was trying to “catch up” to the brain’s commands. Now the arm follows the cursor in a smooth, continuous path.”

The details:

This project was supported in part by the American National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, and National Institute of Mental Health.

Carnegie Mellon University (www.cmu.edu) is a private, internationally ranked university with programs in areas ranging from science, technology and business to public policy, the humanities and the arts.

Aboriginal HPV Vaccination Rates On The Rise

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Facts and figures:

The study published in the Medical Journal of Australia has found Aboriginal students in NSW are achieving their first dose of the HPV vaccine at equal or higher rates than non-Aboriginal students.

Coverage is higher among Aboriginal females than non-Aboriginal females in NSW, with a rate of 95.9% and 89.9%, respectively. The rate for males is 85.6% and 86.0%.

HPV vaccination is a safe and effective method to prevent infection and disease due to the targeted HPV types that cause cervical cancer (almost all cases) and cancers of the anus (90%), vagina (65%), oropharyngeal area (60%), vulva (50%) and penis (35%).

Ask the expert:

Dr Vicky Sheppeard NSW Health’s Director of Communicable Diseases

“The HPV vaccination is particularly important for Aboriginal women to prevent cervical cancer as, compared to other Australian women, they have twice the incidence and four times a greater mortality rate from cervical cancer.”

The details:

Protecting children from potentially deadly diseases is a key priority for the NSW Government, which has invested approximately $130 million in the 2018-19 Immunisation Program budget, including Commonwealth and state vaccines.
To find out more go to www.health.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal/Pages/default.aspx​​

Ground Breaking Project Aims For World First Bionic Vision

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Why it matters:

The primary goal of the project is to restore vision. However, it has become clear that there are many other applications for this technology.

The project aims to explore these potential new applications:

  • Moderation of epilepsy and depression
  • Brain-controlled prosthetics
  • Restoration of vital senses beyond vision

How it works:

A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a direct communication pathway between an enhanced or wired brain and an external device.

BCI’s are directed at researching, mapping, assisting, augmenting, or repairing human cognitive or sensory-motor functions.

Ask the expert:

Professor Arthur Lowery, Director of the Monash Vision Group

“My team and I have developed wireless-connected electronic implants that sit on the surfaces of the brain, creating long-term brain-machine interfaces.”

The details:

Federal Minister for Health, Greg Hunt, has pledged almost $1 million to the University led project under the new Frontier Health and Medical Research Program.

The research program will invest $240 million over four years to support innovative ideas and discoveries with great potential for transformative impact on health care.

To find out more or how to apply for the program go to www.business.gov.au/assistance/frontier-health-and-medical-research

National Plan For Better Pain Management

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The list:

The plan has listed eight key goals for a better outcome.

  1. People living with pain are recognised as a national and public health priority
  2. Consumers, their carers and the wider community are more empowered knowledgeable and supported to understand and manage pain
  3. Health practitioners are well-informed andskilled on best practice evidence-based care and are supported to deliver this care
  4. People living with pain have timely access to consumer-centred best practice pain management including self-management, early intervention strategies and interdisciplinary care and support
  5. Outcomes in pain management are improved and evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure consumer-centred pain services are provided that are best practice and keep pace with innovation
  6. Knowledge of pain flourishes and is communicated to health practitioners and consumers through a national research strategy
  7. Chronic pain is minimised through prevention and early intervention strategies
  8. People living with pain are supported to participate in work and community

Facts and figures:

The number of Australians living with chronic pain is set to rise from 3.24 million to 5.23 million by 2050.

Last year alone, Australians paid $2.7 billion in out of pocket expenses to manage their pain.

As a nation, the annual cost will rise from $139.3 billion to an estimated $215.6 billion by 2050.

Ask the expert:

Painaustralia CEO, Carol Bennett

“The Australian Government and Minister Greg Hunt funded and supported the development of the first-ever National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management (NSAPPM) in May 2018. The year of exhaustive consultation and development that followed have now culminated with the final release of the NSAPPM that sets out the key priority actions to improve access to, and knowledge of best practice pain management, in the next three years,”

The details:

The full report can be found at www.painaustralia.org.au/static/uploads/files/national-action-plan-11-06-2019-wfflaefbxbdy.pdf

‘Tumour-Tracking’ to Allow for More Accurate Radiotherapy With Less Side-Effects

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How it works:

The study is aiming to develop a more accurate way to track tumours, so treatments can be delivered directly to cancer cells. Currently, radiotherapy treats a single area that is larger than it needs to be, to try and account for any movement.

But if the cancer moves and the beam is static (hitting the same area for each dose), the cancer cells at some point, might not receive the intended radiation. If normal tissues come into the beam line as the cancer moves out of the way, they will be hit by a large radiation dose that was not intended for them.

By tracking tumours at all times and directing the beam at the cancer, the study could offer better outcomes for people with cancer.

Ask the expert:

Dr Doan Trang Nguyen

“High precision therapy uses the multi-modal adaptive tumour tracking (MATT) system to track the cancer at all times during the treatment,”

“The position of the cancer will be sent to a motor control unit that will direct the treatment beam at the current position of the cancer.”

The details:

Dr Nguyen is also supported by an early career fellowship from the National Health and Medical Research Council to study low-cost, high-precision radiotherapy.

Find out more about Dr Doan Trang Nguyen and her work with the University of Sydney at www.sydney.edu.au/medicine/people/academics/profiles/d.nguyen.php

Hope For Spinal Cord Injury Cure Boosted by Research Investment

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Facts and figures:

Nationally, around 12,000 Australians are living with a spinal cord injury (SCI).

Around 80 per cent of newly reported cases are accident related.

Car accidents are the leading cause of spinal cord injury, followed by falls, being struck or colliding with a person or object, water-related activities and other sporting injuries.

Why it matters:

In 2018, a breakthrough study by NeuRA’s Associate Professor Sylvia Gustin found that half of all people suffering from a complete spinal cord injury still have surviving somatosensory pathways at the level of the spine.

The study also found that the brains of people with paraplegia registered a signal when their toes were stimulated, despite not being able to feel them.

Since then recently worked with international researchers to develop the world’s first virtual reality walking interface – called the AVATAR Project – which allows people with a spinal cord injury to move in a virtual environment.

What the minister had to say:

NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard

“The allocation of the $15 million will be merit-based and researchers will need to demonstrate how their work will benefit patients in NSW.”

“This investment will allow SCI researchers from a variety of disciplines to collaborate and deliver their benchtop research to the bedside and beyond.”

NeuRA’s Associate Professor Sylvia Gustin

“The finding has received significant attention from researchers and medical professionals around the world.  For the first time, individuals who thought they could not move or feel below the site of their spinal injury have the potential to feel again.”

“New funding from the NSW Government will enable Australia to take a leading role in the development of new methods of treatment like the AVATAR Project to dramatically improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury.”

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Lack of Affordable Heating Linked to Rise in Hypothermia Deaths

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Facts and figures:

In only two of Victoria’s Emergency Departments, 217 people presented with hypothermia between 2009 and 2016.

Nearly 80 per cent of those patients were found indoors.

Of those, 11 per cent died.

The majority of cases (72 per cent) occurred during the colder months (late autumn to early spring) but notably, 12 per cent occurred during summer.

The research paper, published in Internal Medicine Journal, raised the issue of fuel poverty, topical given rising energy bills.

Ask the expert:

Dr Ananda-Rajah, a general medicine physician at Victoria’s The Alfred Hospital

“Questions must be asked as to why these people are developing this condition, particularly the elderly who are indoors,”

“The elderly seem to be particularly vulnerable. Do they have adequate heating and homes that are well-insulated? Are they wearing adequate clothing? Are they able to afford heating?”

The details:

The full report can be found at www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30963670

Voluntary Assisted Dying Comes Into Effect in Victoria

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The list:

These guiding principles are all of equal importance and are designed to sit alongside legislation (if applicable), organisational ethical frameworks or professional codes of conduct. Underpinning these principles are the following fundamental elements of palliative care.

  1. People living with a life-limiting illness are supported
    and respected whether or not they choose to explore
    or access voluntary assisted dying.
  2. People exploring voluntary assisted dying will not be
    abandoned
  3. Respectful and professional behaviour towards
    colleagues and co-workers regardless of their views
    on voluntary assisted dying
  4. Effective communication is an important part of
    quality care
  5. Ongoing development of knowledge, skill and
    confidence is required to provide competent and safe
    care to people living with a life–limiting illness
  6. Self-care practice is a shared responsibility between
    individuals, colleagues and organisations
  7. Continue to learn from evidence and evolving
    practice to drive quality improvement in voluntary
    assisted dying

The Details:

Palliative Care Australia is the national peak body for palliative care in Australia. PCA provides leadership on palliative care policy and community engagement. Working closely with consumers, its Member Organisations and the palliative care and broader health workforce, PCA aims to improve the quality of life and death for people with a life-limiting illness, their families and carers

For further details on these guiding principles can be found at www.palliativecare.org.au[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

MedTech’s Got Talent StartUp Event 2019 Sydney

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Facts and figures:

When – 24 June 2019 8:30 am, 1:30 pm AEST

Where – Ernst & Young, Sydney, 200 George St, Sydney, NSW 2000

How Much – $25

The details:

The day will include, presentations and discussions with industry experts, where attendees can learn about key areas such as intellectual property, market positioning, capital raising and the art of pitching.

The bootcamp will also help to advise on how to succeed in the MedTech’s Got Talent competition – Australia’s largest medical and health technology entrepreneurship challenge – and a  leading market-driven, industry-led Accelerator program for MedTech and HealthTech startups.

Wrapping up at 12.30pm, the bootcamp will be followed by lunch and a chance to network with other emerging MedTech and HealthTech entrepreneurs and industry experts.

To purchase tickets go to – www.eventbrite.com.au/e/medtechs-got-talent-startup-bootcamp-2019-sydney-tickets-62298458366

Wearable MedTech to Assist in Vertigo Diagnose

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Facts and figures:

For the first time, patients can use the miniature video goggles to capture episodes of vertigo in their home, by recording their own eye-movements through a small camera attached to the outside of a pair of rubber goggles.

Researchers are now able to use these recorded videos to identify eye-movements associated with different conditions.

Around 30% of people experience vertigo, a form of severe dizziness that can result in a loss of balance, a feeling of falling, trouble walking or standing, or nausea.

It is a common reason for visits to the GP or Emergency, particularly in older people, but is treatable in most cases.

Ask the expert:

Associate Professor Miriam Welgampola of Sydney University’s Faculty of Medicine and Health

“Vertigo can be a disabling condition, so an accurate diagnosis is important to effectively treat the underlying disorder,”

“Observing a person’s eye movements during an episode can help make the diagnosis, but people don’t always have an episode when they are at the doctor’s office.”