UCLA bioengineers have developed a new AI-assisted wearable device, designed as an adhesive neck patch, to aid individuals with vocal cord dysfunctions in regaining speech capabilities. This innovative bioelectric system employs machine learning to translate laryngeal muscle movements into audible speech with nearly 95% accuracy, offering a non-invasive communication solution for those suffering from voice disorders or recovering from related surgeries. The flexible, self-powered device, detailed in the journal Nature Communications, marks a significant advancement in speech technology for disabilities, potentially transforming the communication landscape for individuals facing vocal communication challenges.

Speaking without vocal cords, thanks to a new AI-assisted wearable device UCLA Newsroom

In the article "Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Nursing, Moral Injury, and Culture," the experience of ICU nurses and the broader implications of moral injury in healthcare are explored. Moral injury, as defined, occurs when healthcare providers undertake actions, or fail to prevent actions, that conflict with their core values, often leading to significant psychological stress. This concept is highlighted through a narrative involving a hospital chaplain's intervention, allowing a care team to pause and reflect after a patient’s death, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging loss to mitigate burnout. Rabbi Rebecca Kamil’s insights underscore the systemic nature of moral injury, suggesting that solutions require a cultural and organizational shift rather than merely individual coping strategies. The discussion extends to how healthcare systems and culture contribute to or mitigate moral injury, with the call for leadership at all levels to adopt systemic solutions that empower healthcare professionals, thereby addressing the root causes of burnout and moral injury.

Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Nursing, Moral Injury, and Culture  - CFAR CFAR

The Future Today Institute's 17th Annual Tech Trends Report, discussed by its founder Amy Webb at South by Southwest, outlines a technologically driven "supercycle" characterized by the convergence of artificial intelligence, biotech, and interconnected wearables, which promises to fundamentally reshape human civilization. This era is not just defined by technological advancements but also poses crucial socio-economic and ethical questions, such as the debate over open-source versus closed AI systems and the implications of digital twins for personal and societal change. Webb's insights underline the immediate need for strategic decisions regarding AI's deployment and highlight the potential for generative biology to revolutionize personalized medicine, suggesting that we are on the verge of transformative changes across various aspects of life.

This futurist predicts that everybody will have an AI digital twin Fast Company

The study discussed in the article sheds light on the ongoing disparities in digital health portal use, notably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic's peak periods. Key findings indicate that despite an overall increase in patient portal engagement spurred by the pandemic, significant gaps remain among older individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and individuals with limited health literacy. This work emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to enhance digital literacy and access, aligning with the goals of the 21st Century Cures Act for more transparent and accessible medical records. The research suggests a proactive approach in addressing technological and educational barriers to equalize healthcare access and improve outcomes for underrepresented populations.

Disparities in Digital Health Portal Use Persist Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic Drug Topics

UCLA bioengineers have developed a new AI-assisted wearable device, designed as an adhesive neck patch, to aid individuals with vocal cord dysfunctions in regaining speech capabilities. This innovative bioelectric system employs machine learning to translate laryngeal muscle movements into audible speech with nearly 95% accuracy, offering a non-invasive communication solution for those suffering from voice disorders or recovering from related surgeries. The flexible, self-powered device, detailed in the journal Nature Communications, marks a significant advancement in speech technology for disabilities, potentially transforming the communication landscape for individuals facing vocal communication challenges.

Speaking without vocal cords, thanks to a new AI-assisted wearable device UCLA Newsroom

In the article "Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Nursing, Moral Injury, and Culture," the experience of ICU nurses and the broader implications of moral injury in healthcare are explored. Moral injury, as defined, occurs when healthcare providers undertake actions, or fail to prevent actions, that conflict with their core values, often leading to significant psychological stress. This concept is highlighted through a narrative involving a hospital chaplain's intervention, allowing a care team to pause and reflect after a patient’s death, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging loss to mitigate burnout. Rabbi Rebecca Kamil’s insights underscore the systemic nature of moral injury, suggesting that solutions require a cultural and organizational shift rather than merely individual coping strategies. The discussion extends to how healthcare systems and culture contribute to or mitigate moral injury, with the call for leadership at all levels to adopt systemic solutions that empower healthcare professionals, thereby addressing the root causes of burnout and moral injury.

Lessons from a Hospital Chaplain: Nursing, Moral Injury, and Culture  - CFAR CFAR

The Future Today Institute's 17th Annual Tech Trends Report, discussed by its founder Amy Webb at South by Southwest, outlines a technologically driven "supercycle" characterized by the convergence of artificial intelligence, biotech, and interconnected wearables, which promises to fundamentally reshape human civilization. This era is not just defined by technological advancements but also poses crucial socio-economic and ethical questions, such as the debate over open-source versus closed AI systems and the implications of digital twins for personal and societal change. Webb's insights underline the immediate need for strategic decisions regarding AI's deployment and highlight the potential for generative biology to revolutionize personalized medicine, suggesting that we are on the verge of transformative changes across various aspects of life.

This futurist predicts that everybody will have an AI digital twin Fast Company

The study discussed in the article sheds light on the ongoing disparities in digital health portal use, notably during and after the COVID-19 pandemic's peak periods. Key findings indicate that despite an overall increase in patient portal engagement spurred by the pandemic, significant gaps remain among older individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and individuals with limited health literacy. This work emphasizes the need for targeted efforts to enhance digital literacy and access, aligning with the goals of the 21st Century Cures Act for more transparent and accessible medical records. The research suggests a proactive approach in addressing technological and educational barriers to equalize healthcare access and improve outcomes for underrepresented populations.

Disparities in Digital Health Portal Use Persist Beyond the COVID-19 Pandemic Drug Topics