Tag Archives: Health

KAO Launches A New Way to Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

June 13, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

It’s not every day that a tech site covers health or cosmetics. However, this one had to be covered. KAO, the company behind some of Japan’s best cosmetic products has released a new way to help keep Dengue and other mosquito-borne diseases at bay. This new product is launching hot off the heels of the announcement of QDenga, a novel vaccine for dengue, in Malaysia.

Biore GUARD Mos Block Serum 1 — Source: KAO

It may seem quite absurd to suddenly be going all out to keep diseases like Dengue and Chikungunya in check. However, Malaysia and many other tropical countries have long been plagued by these diseases. In 2023 alone, Malaysia saw an exponential increase in Dengue cases totalling about 123,133 cases – a whopping 86.3% compared to 2022. This coincided with a 78.6% increase in Dengue-related deaths. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, there have been 41,565 reported cases and 28 deaths. This again is a rise compared to last year. With an increasing disease burden, KAO is hoping that its new “Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum” will be a valuable addition to reducing the disease burden in Malaysia and the rest of the world.

Using a Commonly Used Emulsifier to Keep Mosquitoes Away

KAO’s Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum uses something that we’ve been using for ages in cosmetic products as its active ingredient – Silicone oil. Through research, the team at KAO realised that Silicone oil which is commonly used as an emulsifier in cosmetics has an unpredicted effect on mosquito behaviour.

Biore GUARD Mos Block Serum 2 — (Source: KAO) The KAO Research Team showing the efficacy of the *Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum* Live at the launch.

Their research showed that somehow, mosquitoes would not land on surfaces lined with Silicone oil. Through further observation, researchers realised that mosquitoes would also work to remove the residues after contact. Through further research, the team realised that Silicone oil also exerts a downward force that is equal to about 80% of the weight of the mosquito itself. Due to this, mosquitoes tend to be “repelled” from skin and surfaces lined with Silicone oil.

Thanks to these observations, KAO is using Silicone oil as its active ingredient in the Biore Mos Block Serum. This also means that the serum is inert and safe to use even on sensitive skin. When queried, the team affirms that the serum has been dermatologically tested and is safe even for infants and toddlers. Another plus point is the omission of harmful substances like diethyltoluamide (DEET) or Picardin or even harsh essential oils. These substances are known to cause adverse reactions in individuals with dermatological sensitivities.

Pricing & Availability

The Bioré GUARD Mos Block Serum is now available in most pharmacies for RM24.90 for 100g. It is available in two variants: Fresh Lavender and Sweet Blossom. KAO says that availability in other retail outlets will follow after the initial rollout in pharmacies.

Health, News

Scientists Just Used AI to Discover New Genes Linked to Heart Disease

June 12, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally, impacting millions of lives each year. While significant progress has been made in understanding the risk factors associated with heart disease, the precise genetic underpinnings of this complex condition have remained largely elusive. However, a recent breakthrough involving artificial intelligence (AI) offers a glimpse into a future where personalized medicine for heart disease becomes a reality.

robina weermeijer z8 Fmfz06c unsplash — Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash

Heart disease is a multifaceted condition influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Traditional methods for identifying genes associated with disease often relied on genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies compare the genetic makeup of individuals with and without a particular disease, searching for variations (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) that occur more frequently in the diseased population. While GWAS have identified numerous SNPs linked to heart disease, many of these variants exert a relatively weak effect, making it challenging to pinpoint the specific genes responsible and develop targeted therapies.

Machine Learning Model Used to Gain More Insights by Researchers

Researchers at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai are pioneering the use of a novel AI tool to unlock the secrets hidden within our genes. This tool, called a machine learning-based marker (MLBM), takes a more sophisticated approach compared to traditional GWAS. Instead of simply analyzing individual SNPs, the MLBM leverages machine learning algorithms to identify complex patterns across hundreds of genetic variants. Imagine sifting through a vast library of books, searching not just for individual words but for nuanced patterns and connections between sentences and paragraphs. The MLBM operates in a similar fashion, analyzing the interplay between numerous genetic variations to identify those that collectively contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.

The MLBM’s ability to identify complex patterns within genetic data has yielded significant results. The research team used the MLBM to analyze electronic health records and genetic data from over 600,000 individuals. This analysis revealed not only common SNPs associated with heart disease but also a set of rare coding variants within 17 previously unknown genes. These rare variants, while individually occurring in a smaller proportion of the population, may exert a more significant impact on heart disease risk. Imagine finding a single, critical clue hidden amongst a mountain of seemingly unrelated information. The MLBM’s ability to identify these rare yet impactful genetic variations holds immense potential for uncovering new pathways involved in heart disease development.

digitale de MES6r7WFb0o unsplash — Photo by digitale.de on Unsplash

The identification of these novel genes opens doors for the development of more targeted therapies for heart disease. By understanding the specific genetic mutations contributing to an individual’s risk, doctors can potentially tailor treatment plans to address the underlying cause rather than simply manage symptoms. Imagine a future where preventive measures and medications can be personalized based on a person’s unique genetic makeup, potentially preventing heart disease altogether.

New Technologies Changing Medical Research

The success of the MLBM in uncovering new genetic variants for heart disease signifies a paradigm shift in our approach to medical research. AI has the potential to revolutionize the way we diagnose, treat, and ultimately prevent a wide range of diseases. By harnessing the power of AI to analyze complex biological data, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the intricate dance between genes and disease. This newfound knowledge can pave the way for the development of personalized medicine, offering a future where healthcare becomes more proactive and effective in combating life-threatening conditions like heart disease.

Health

You’ll Be Able to Regenerate Your Teeth Soon Thanks to a New Groundbreaking Drug

June 4, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

A new era in dental care may be dawning, thanks to a revolutionary drug that has been approved for the first time in human trials. This drug, developed by a research team at Kyoto University, Japan, has the potential to regrow teeth – a feat previously only possible in our imaginations.

The drug works by targeting a specific protein called USAG-1 (uterine sensitization-associated gene-1). This protein acts as a natural inhibitor of tooth growth. By deactivating USAG-1, the drug essentially removes the roadblock and allows for the resumption of tooth development. The deactivated USAG-1 protein no longer hinders the interaction between bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and other cellular processes essential for tooth formation. The activation of BMP signalling then triggers the growth of new bone and dental tissue.

rafael rocha UGFkfsj 4z4 unsplash — Photo by Rafael Rocha on Unsplash

The research team led by Dr. Katsu Takahashi, a molecular biologist and dentist, has been working on this concept since 2005. Their initial research focused on understanding the role of USAG-1 in tooth development. Following these discoveries, they conducted successful experiments in mice with tooth agenesis, a condition where teeth fail to develop naturally. These studies demonstrated that blocking USAG-1 with an antibody could stimulate tooth regrowth.

Building upon the success in animal models, researchers have developed a new iteration of the drug specifically for human use. This injectable drug has now been approved for human trials, with the first phase expected to begin in September 2024 at Kyoto University Hospital. The trial will involve 30 male participants between the ages of 30 and 64 who are missing at least one molar tooth.

It is important to note that this is a Phase 1 trial, the initial stage of human testing. The primary focus will be on assessing the drug’s safety and potential side effects in humans. Efficacy, or the drug’s ability to regrow teeth, will be a secondary objective in this phase. Even if successful, further trials will be required to determine the long-term effectiveness and optimal treatment protocols.

enis yavuz VC5lS43bwJo unsplash — Photo by Enis Yavuz on Unsplash

The potential impact of this research is significant. If successful, this drug could revolutionize dentistry, offering a permanent solution for tooth loss. This could potentially eliminate the need for traditional dental implants, bridges, and dentures, all of which come with their own limitations and drawbacks. However, it is important to manage expectations, as the technology is still in its early stages.

「先天性無歯症の"歯生え薬"開発」第97回学術講演会～医学研究所北野病院（大阪市北区）～

The upcoming human trial will be a crucial step in evaluating the safety and efficacy of this groundbreaking drug. While the potential for tooth regeneration is exciting, researchers emphasize the importance of a rigorous scientific process to ensure the development of a safe and reliable treatment option for patients suffering from tooth loss.

Health, News

DAMO Academy and the World Health Organization Collaborate to Push Medical AI Boundaries for Developing Countries

May 31, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Alibaba Group’s research institute, DAMO Academy, has joined forces with the World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Center on Digital Health in a landmark partnership to advance medical AI innovations and expand accessibility in developing countries. This collaboration signifies a significant step towards leveraging cutting-edge AI technology to improve global healthcare outcomes.

Dr. Le Lu head of DAMO Academys medical AI speaks at the AI for Good global summit — Source: Alibaba Cloud

The WHO Collaborating Center on Digital Health, the first of its kind in the Western Pacific region, plays a pivotal role in supporting WHO initiatives. It spearheads digital health information exchange, scientific research, and international standard development, while also providing technical training to member countries.

This strategic partnership, officially launched at the UN’s AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva, unites the strengths of both entities. DAMO Academy and the WHO Collaborating Center will collaborate on research and provide expert guidance in the fields of digital health, AI, and industrial development, ultimately supporting organizations like the WHO and the International Telecommunication Union.

An Inherently Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Recognizing the inherently interdisciplinary nature of AI and digital health, the partnership also focuses on joint training initiatives. These programs will encompass medicine, engineering, digital health, AI, industrial development, and other relevant fields. The goal is to cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped with the comprehensive skillset necessary to advance digital healthcare solutions.

Furthermore, the WHO Collaborating Center will leverage its resources to actively promote DAMO Academy’s medical AI solutions in developing countries. This strategic move strengthens international outreach for digital health initiatives, ultimately fostering health and wellness through technological advancements.

“Through this partnership with the WHO Collaborating Center on Digital Health, DAMO Academy embarks on a mission to democratize access to medical AI for those in need,” said Le Lu, Head of DAMO Academy’s medical AI team. “By working together, we aim to leverage advancements in medical AI development and digital health accessibility to improve healthcare for underserved communities.”

“This collaboration signifies not just a shared vision but a tangible commitment to harnessing the power of digital innovations to cultivate global health and wellness,” echoed Shan Xu, Head of the WHO Collaborating Centre on Digital Health. “By pooling our expertise and leveraging cutting-edge AI technology, we are poised to drive a transformative shift in digital health, particularly for developing countries.”

Pioneering Multi-Cancer Early Detection with AI

DAMO Academy’s medical AI team is at the forefront of exploring cost-effective and efficient methods for multi-cancer screening using AI technology. This ongoing research, conducted in collaboration with leading global medical institutions, has yielded significant progress. Their AI model demonstrates exceptional promise in detecting seven common cancers, including pancreatic, oesophagal, lung, breast, liver, gastric, and colorectal, all from a single CT scan.

Doctor at a hospital in Lishui city of Chinas Zhejiang province examines a CT scan — Source: Alibaba Cloud

This achievement is particularly noteworthy in the case of pancreatic cancer, a notoriously difficult-to-detect disease with a poor prognosis when identified at later stages. A large-scale real-world pancreatic cancer detection study, published in Nature Medicine by DAMO Academy and a consortium of over 10 medical institutions, revealed an impressive sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 99.9% achieved by their AI model. This technology is already being implemented in two hospitals within China’s Zhejiang province as part of Alibaba’s philanthropic program, demonstrating its real-world potential.

The DAMO Academy and WHO Collaborating Center on Digital Health partnership represents a significant milestone in the global healthcare landscape. By combining expertise and resources, this collaboration holds immense promise for expanding access to advanced medical AI solutions in developing countries. This, in turn, has the potential to revolutionize healthcare delivery and improve health outcomes for millions around the world.

Health, Lifestyle

ATLAS Vending Tackles Period Poverty By Dispensing Dignity with Free Sanitary Pads

May 20, 2024 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Period poverty, the struggle to afford safe and hygienic menstrual products, is a real issue in Malaysia. ATLAS Vending, a vending machine company, is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative technology and a social conscience.

Partnering with Libresse, a hygiene brand under Etika, and Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail, a Member of the Malaysian Parliament, ATLAS Vending has introduced free sanitary pad dispensing machines. These machines utilize a card access system, ensuring privacy and dignity for users.

This initiative prioritizes marginalized communities, particularly young women. Up to 600 recipients from Sekolah Menengah Sains Selangor, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Bandar Tun Razak and Hospital Chancellor Tuanku Muhriz UKM (formerly Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysian) will have access to free sanitary pads each month. Those in need of sanitary pads will be able to access them via a card access system to ensure privacy and prevent misuse of the vending machine and the products.

The fight against period poverty goes beyond providing access to products. ATLAS Vending acknowledges the need to address the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. They see potential in social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube to educate both women and men about menstrual health.

“It’s time to break the taboo surrounding menstruation so that young women know the best way to take care of themselves during their periods. Social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube can provide accessible knowledge and education, even for men, promoting better menstrual health practices.”“

Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah binti Dr Wan Ismail

Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr Wan Azizah binti Dr Wan Ismail emphasizes the importance of collaboration between private companies and government bodies. She highlights the need to break the silence and provide accessible knowledge to combat misinformation.

Libresse, a hygiene brand partnering with ATLAS Vending, shares the commitment to empowering women. They believe menstruation is a natural part of life and shouldn’t be a source of shame. Their educational campaigns aim to create a supportive environment where women can learn about their bodies and manage their periods confidently and with dignity.

Atlas Vending Period Hygiene 2 — (from left) Dr Lenny Suriyani binti Safri (Wakil Hospital Canselor Tunku Mukhriz UKM), Puan Amy Gan (Naib Presiden Pemasaran Etika Sdn. Bhd.), Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah binti Dr. Wan Ismail (Ahli Parlimen Bandar Tun Razak)

This initiative is just the beginning. ATLAS Vending acknowledges the long road ahead in dismantling the stigma surrounding menstruation. They plan to expand the program, installing more machines across Malaysia to reach those most in need.

By combining innovative technology with social responsibility, ATLAS Vending is significantly impacting the lives of women and girls in Malaysia. Their collaboration with Libresse and government officials paves the way for a future where no woman is held back by period poverty.

Health, Lifestyle, News

Attaining Diabetes Regression with A Web App

April 3, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of preventable deaths in Malaysia. In 2020 alone, it accounted for about 2% of the total number of deaths in Malaysia. The disease presents in two forms – Diabetes Mellitus Type I and Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 which are classified according to the age of onset. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus generally presents later in life and is a result of lifestyle choices which lead to over stimulation of pancreatic enzymes leading to glucose tolerance and inefficacy while Type 1 presents in infancy and is usually characterized by the inability of the pancreas to produce insulin.

As the incidence of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 continues to increase in an increasingly obese Malaysia, Malaysian Healthcare professionals (HCPs) are turning to technology to help address the gaps in the diabetic patient management. In a program which is the first of its kind in the country, medical professionals are coming together to spearhead a new approach to managing diabetes.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed among, Dato’ Dr Lee Cheng Yew, President, Academy Of Family Physicians of Malaysia, Dr Wong Ping Foo, Vice President, the Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists' Association, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, Vice President, the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society, Datuk Dr Zanariah Hussein, Chairperson of Diabetes Lifestyle Programme (DLP) Expert Panel, Dr Koh Kar Chai, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Medical Association, Prof Winnie Chee Siew Swee, President, Malaysian Dietitians’ Association, and Ms Yong Lai Mee, President, Malaysian Diabetes Educators Society, witnessed by Yang Berusaha Dr Mohd Azman Yacob, Director, Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia. — The memorandum of understanding (MoU) is signed among, Dato’ Dr Lee Cheng Yew, President, Academy Of Family Physicians of Malaysia, Dr Wong Ping Foo, Vice President, the Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin, Vice President, the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society, Datuk Dr Zanariah Hussein, Chairperson of Diabetes Lifestyle Programme (DLP) Expert Panel, Dr Koh Kar Chai, Immediate Past President, Malaysian Medical Association, Prof Winnie Chee Siew Swee, President, Malaysian Dietitians’ Association, and Ms Yong Lai Mee, President, Malaysian Diabetes Educators Society, witnessed by Yang Berusaha Dr Mohd Azman Yacob, Director, Medical Development Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia.

The Diabetes Lifestyle Programme (DLP) sees a collaboration between the Malaysian Endocrine and Metabolic Society (MEMS), the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), the Malaysian Family Medicine Specialists’ Association (MFMSA), the Malaysian Dietitian’s Association (MDA) and the Malaysian Diabetes Educators Society (MDES) in moving Malaysia’s approach to Diabetes from pharmaceutical intervention to an approach focused more on making effective changes in the patients lifestyle to control the severity of the disease.

Endocrinologist and Chairperson of the Expert Panel spearheading DLP, Datuk Dr Zanariah Hussein, highlights that, “For too long, most healthcare professionals and patients have relied heavily on medications to control high blood sugar levels. Let’s be clear – medications are important when indicated. However, if patients continue leading an unhealthy lifestyle, they may find themselves requiring higher doses or more medications. in contrast, several landmark studies have proven that lifestyle changes can have powerful positive effects, too. Managing one’s diet, getting more active, monitoring blood sugar levels, and losing body weight are basic measures. Lifestyle changes that result in the achievement and maintenance of substantial weight loss will reduce high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and even the amount of medications needed. In some cases, diabetes can be reversed entirely!”

The DLP seeks to empower both healthcare professionals and patients to make these changes through continuous education and through a web app which will be available via the official DLP website. The web app will house educational videos, interactive activities and even a virtual dietitian to help patients understand and make meaningful changes to their lifestyle.

The programme will be entering its first phase with its collaborators signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The first phase will see a select number of clinics and healthcare providers being pilots for the program. The DLP secretariat and experts panel hasn’t shared specifics on the eventual national rollout of the program. However, they are encouraging interested healthcare providers to contact the secretariat.

It is hoped that the DLP will be a first step as Malaysia moves towards Diabetes Regression. During the launch, Dr. Osama Hamdy, Medical Director of Obesity Clinical Program at Joslin Diabetes Center and Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School shared research findings which showed how patients who were given the proper support and tools were able to enter Diabetes regression without pharmaceutical intervention. Diabetes Regression is characterized by a HbA1C of less than 5.5mmol/mol.

The DLP web app is looking to be Malaysia’s first step in taking control of its Diabetes endemic. With the proper training and HCP-patient collaboration, it’s not out of reach.

Health, Lifestyle, News

Samsung Galaxy Watch ECG & Blood Pressure Apps Gets Green Light in Malaysia

January 10, 2023 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch wearables are one of the most popular wearables in the market right now. The feature rich smartwatch comes with a bevvy of features including sleep tracking, activity tracking and more. Samsung also brought ECG and blood pressure reading to the lineup since the Galaxy Watch Active2. However, these features has been missing in Galaxy Watch models in many countries across the world including Malaysia. That’s partially due to the feature making the Watch subject to regulatory approvals as a medical device. Thankfully, Samsung was able to release these smartwatches with restrictions still.

03 galaxy watch software update bp ecg — Source: Samsung

That said, things are about to change as a tipster has informed Lowyat.net that the ECG app has been listed in the Malaysian Medical Device Authority (MDA) database. The blood pressure app was green lit late last year. It’s worth noting that the ECG app is not made to replace conventional ECGs with 12 leads. Instead, the app is made for detecting Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) – an arrhythmia which may indicate the need for professional intervention.

With the approvals, Samsung has to just flip the switch with an OTA update to enable the functionality. As of the time of this writing, the features have not been enabled on the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro or Watch 4.

News

Sunway Medical Centre launches the latest tech in robot-assisted surgery

December 9, 2022 Thina Hareesh Leave a comment

Sunway Medical Centre commemorates a big milestone in robot-assisted surgeries, celebrating 1000 successful surgeries and its patients. Committed to being a leading smart hospital, SunMed advances further with the acquisition of the highly advanced, da Vinci Xi 4th Generation Surgical System.

Advantages of robot-assisted surgeries

A common misconception of robotic-assisted surgery is that it is performed by the robot. On the contrary, it is an advanced set of instruments, designed to assist surgeons in performing complex surgeries. The key advantage of using similar systems is that the surgeries are minimally invasive. This method will only require multiple smaller incisions called ‘keyholes’ rather than the bigger incisions in conventional procedures. This is particularly advantageous when having to perform surgeries on deeper lying tissue within the body, where accessibility and visibility for the surgeon is low. Patients benefit from this method too with faster recovery times and of course, less post-operative pain. Helen Ng, General Manager of MIS (Minimally Invasive Surgery) Services and Robotic Surgery, heaped praise on the system’s consistency and precision which lead to minimal scarring and blood loss for patients.

da Vinci Xi Patient cart and Vision cart — The da Vinci Xi surgical system simulating a procedure with the Patient cart (left) and Vision cart (right)

The acquisition of the da Vinci Xi system is an achievement in itself, being the first of its kind in Malaysia. The major subsystems consist of the Patient cart, housing robotic arms, the Vision cart and the Surgeon console. The robotic arms are modular and can be swapped with various instruments required for the surgery. These include grips that mimic the surgeons’ fingers in motion; forceps, cameras and many more. The arms can also be positioned independently of each other at various depth, making it versatile enough for multiple procedure types. The vision cart channels all the camera feed to allow nurses and surgeons to observe the procedure in real time. And finally, the surgeon console is where the surgeon conducts the procedure with the assistance of control handles to move the robotic arms and instruments with high precision, as well as view the procedure in real time 3D imaging.

Simulation of abdominal surgery with da Vinci Xi — Surgeons can perform complex acts such as stitching with the system

Sunway Medical Centre’s commitment to smart tech in healthcare

Sunway Medical Centre has been committed to the smart hospital initiative since 2016, with robot-assisted surgery being a key focus area. They initially started with the acquisition of the previous iteration da Vinci Si surgical system specializing for abdominal surgeries. Since then, they have further added on systems from Mako SmartRobotics and ROSA Knee system, used mainly for knee and hip replacement surgeries. In fact, Sunway Medical Center has recently celebrated Malaysia’s first robot-assisted joint replacement surgery in 2021. The newly acquired da Vinci Xi system is a further step up from the previous Si system. Dr Tan Ee Ping, the first surgeon to conduct a procedure with the Xi system, added that it brings a host of improved functionality compared to its predecessors and has “…smaller, thinner arms with newly designed joints that offer a great range of motion”.

Sunway Medical Centre has been so impressed with the performance of the da Vinci Xi system that they already plan to acquire a second unit, further highlighting their commitment to robot-assisted surgeries. Helen Ng believes that “The more we operate with these highly advanced robotic technologies,
the more encouraged I feel that we are truly providing Malaysians with the best possible smart hospital technology to help them live their lives without pain”.

Health, iOS, Lifestyle, Mobile, News

[WWDC 2021] Apple Empowers Personalised Health With Improvements to Health App

June 9, 2021 Nur Jeevan Leave a comment

Healthcare is getting more personal and as a result, medical professionals require more data than ever to effectively treat diseases. That said, individuals are also becoming more health conscious and have been tracking and collecting data such as sleep times, heart rate, blood oxygenation and more through wearables like the Apple watch. Apple is taking the next step in enhancing their Health app to allow even better insights and secure data sharing.

With the latest update to the Apple Health app on iOS, the company is making proactive strides to putting more actionable data into the hands of its users. The new update to health allows users to gain more insights with trend analysis. The new feature allows users to track and visualise data trends for 20 types of data. This includes cardio fitness, sleep and even resting heart rate. These trends allow Health app users to track and visualise health and lifestyle metrics that are important to them. The Trends feature will also proactively highlight changes in the data that may be significant to users. The changes will be highlighted and surfaced in a way that is easily understood.

Apple is also bringing a new feature called Walking Steadiness. The feature comes in the wake of an increasing number of cases where serious conditions and loss of independence resulting from a fall. A staggering 37 million cases were reported in April 2021 by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The new feature collects mobility data as users use their iPhones. The algorithms assess balance, stability and coordination using the motion sensors of the iPhone. Based on this data, it will return a classification OK, Low or Very Low. The app will then notify users if their steadiness drops below their preset levels and recommend curated, clinically validated visual exercises to increase strength and balance. Joining the steadiness feature is the respiratory rate measurement on the Apple Watch which will allow users to monitor their breathing even when asleep.

Apple’s greatest contribution to personalised health comes with its implementation of Health Sharing. The new feature allows users to share their data with others. While screen capping has always been an option on other platforms, Apple is allowing users to curate and allow visual access to the data to others. This means that users are able to keep an eye on their ageing parents or even share relevant data with their healthcare provider for better care and management of their conditions. It will also allow users to have better, more meaningful conversations with their doctors and allow more effective management. Apple is also including the ability to store vaccination records and tests in the app.

That said, Apple Health isn’t leaving privacy in the lurches. Apple is allowing granular control of the data collected in the Health app to the user. In fact, the company guarantees that the data collected remains private and secure. The data stored is encrypted securely even during sharing and is locked behind a passcode, Face ID or Touch ID on the phone itself. The company guarantees that it doesn’t have any access to the data even when the data is shared.

Accessories, Editorial, Health, Lifestyle, News

[Google I/O 2021] Google & Samsung Take Wear OS to the Next Level

May 19, 2021 Nur Jeevan 1 Comment

Android Wear or Wear OS as it was renamed a few years ago has been a little anaemic when it comes to updates; that is until NOW. Google took the stage at I/O 2021 to announce what could be the biggest and most important update to Wear OS: Google and Samsung are partnering to push Wear OS to the next level. The announcement confirms rumours which have been making their rounds for months.

The new partnership sees Samsung bring their know-how, expertise and features from their successful Tizen OS to Wear OS. As the companies put it, they are bringing “the best of their platforms together into one unified experience”. So what does this mean exactly? Well, the biggest change is that Samsung’s next Galaxy Watch will be shipping with Wear OS instead of Tizen OS. While this might seems like Samsung will be leaving their older watches behind, the company reassures its users that Galaxy Watch and other Tizen OS powered wearables will be receiving updates and support for at least 3 years after their launch.

Improvements Under the Hood

That aside, the new collaborative Wear OS approach also brings a slew of improvements that will not only be improving the user experience but also making developing for Wear OS a lot easier. The collaboration’s biggest improvement comes in its improved load time. Google is touting a whopping 30% improvement in app load times. In addition, Samsung and Google have made improvements to the lower layer of Wear OS to improve battery life. If you’ve used Wear OS smartwatches, you’d know that battery life can be an issue with them.

Google and Samsung have optimised background processes, making them more efficient and less intensive on the processors. In fact, processor-intensive processes like continuous heart rate monitoring have been optimised to use lower power cores to conserve power. This also opens the doors to more power-efficient features for wearable devices. Samsung has also helped with power efficiency with its bundled sensors which allow them to include more than one sensor in a single module.

More Diverse User Experience

Aside from improvements under the hood, the improvements are also creating a more diverse user experience. Manufacturers are now allowed to skin the operating system to have a more unified look across their devices. This also means that we might see slightly different experiences from manufacturers like Tag Heuer, Fossil and even Samsung will have their own design language when it comes to the user interface for their wearables. Google is expecting that the new customizability will result in a more diverse Wear OS ecosystem.

Google is also opening up more features in the OS to developers. Developers will be able to bring features like tiles to their apps. They have also integrated development for Wear OS into Android’s Development Studio. They are creating a more unified development experience across Android and Wear OS with a single touchpoint for development. Development is also made easier with Google’s Jetpack development suite which allows developers to call and implement API more readily. In addition, they are bringing Kotlin APIs to Wear OS.

Wear OS is also getting more focused on health with help from Samsung. Developers will be able to create new apps and improve their current apps with a more streamlined and simplified work flow. This comes thanks to the new Health Services platform which allows developers to retrieve data without building from scratch. Developers are able to take advantage of continuous data from the sensors and other contextual metrics without impacting the battery life of the device too much.

New Apps, Better Experience

Finally, these improvements directly impact how the OS performs and how accessible apps will be for the platform. The most direct improvements that users will be benefiting from is improved navigation on wearables. Google is bringing simple improvements like a double-tap to jump to your most recent app and even simpler swiping gestures to access your information.

Source: Google / Double Tap for Recent App

Google is starting the ball rolling with updates coming to its core apps like Google Maps, Google Pay, Google Assistant and YouTube Music. The first change that will be coming to these apps is the adoption of the new “Material You” design. In addition, Google Maps will be getting better, more visible turn by turn navigation to help with using the app on the go. There are plans to take Google Maps offline. The same applies to YouTube Music as well. Google Assistant and Google Pay will be getting improvements as well. The latter will be making its way to 26 countries in the next few months while the former will become more user friendly on Wear.

It isn’t just Google that is improving its offerings. Spotify has revamped its experience on wearables; allowing users to seamlessly move on the go. The simplified interface allows users to not only control their music but also seamlessly switch between speakers and their Wear OS device. Other companies like Nike, Calm and Adidas have been working on revamping their experiences on OS. Fitbit will also join the Wear OS family. Wear OS apps will also be more visible on the Play Store with a dedicated section and recommendations.

The new Wear OS will be making its way to the market in the coming year. Current Wear OS devices find out if they are getting the big update in the coming months.

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