The app was reportedly tested internally, with Apple identifying potential employee test subjects using blood test data. Participants were chosen if they were at risk of developing Type-2 diabetes and given software to actively monitor their blood sugar via various devices available on the market, logging glucose changes in response to their food choices. The app tracked these trends, correlating dietary adjustments to blood sugar levels.

Gurman mentions that Apple has since paused the app’s testing to concentrate on other health-related features. Apple’s Health app currently lacks a meal tracking feature — something that’s readily available on competing platforms. The report also suggests Apple could eventually integrate third-party glucose-tracking capabilities into its own ecosystem.

Also Read: Apple Watch Gets UAE Approval For Sleep Apnea Detection

The recent experiments by Apple are said to be separate from the company’s long-term goal of developing a non-invasive method for monitoring blood glucose levels — a project that has been under exploration for around 15 years. Apple’s current prototype device for non-invasive glucose monitoring is reportedly about the size of an iPhone and uses laser technology to penetrate the skin with light.

Gurman speculates that Apple’s initial consumer version may take the form of an alert system that notifies users if they are at risk of pre-diabetes, with specific blood glucose level readings possibly arriving in later versions of the device.

The post Apple Rumored To Be Trialing Blood Glucose Management appeared first on Tech Magazine.

One of the biggest changes in the Ring 4 are the sensors, which now sit flush with the surface, making it smoother and sleeker. The improvements go beyond just aesthetics, with Oura stating that the Ring 4 now has 18 signal pathways, a significant increase from the 8 found in the previous generation.

The company claims that the updated sensors improve blood oxygen data accuracy by 30%, while gaps in nighttime heart rate are reduced by 31%, and daytime gaps are cut by 7%. Although the exact battery capacity hasn’t been revealed, the sensor optimizations should also allow the Ring 4 to last up to eight days on a single charge.

The Ring 4 is available in 12 sizes (4-15) and six colors: Silver, Brushed Silver, Gold, Rose Gold, Stealth, and Black. All options except Stealth are coated in titanium with a physical vapor deposition finish, while Stealth features a diamond-like carbon coating.

The Ring is also water-resistant up to 100 meters, making it suitable for swimming and sauna use, though not for dedicated deep-sea divers.

In addition to hardware upgrades, Oura is rolling out a redesigned mobile app. The app organizes health data into three sections: Today, Vitals, and My Health. These sections help wearers monitor their daily vital signs and long-term health metrics, such as cardiovascular age and sleep patterns. The app update is available for all users, regardless of which generation of Ring they own.

Also Read: Meta Reveals Orion AR Glasses, Offering A Glimpse Into The Future

As with the previous model, Oura continues to offer some features behind a membership paywall, priced at $5.99 per month or $70 per year. New to the Ring 4 are automatic activity and heart-rate detection for up to 40 different activities. The app will also now provide better insights for menstrual tracking, specifically around fertility windows.

The Oura Ring 4 is available for pre-order starting today, with prices beginning at $349. Shipping is expected to start on October 15, 2024.

The post Oura’s Fourth-Generation Ring Becomes Sleeker And Smarter appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Middle Eastern countries are increasingly focused on becoming global hubs for health tourism, and the region already attracts millions of international visitors each year. The health tourism industry, currently valued at over $1 trillion annually, caters to individuals seeking high-quality medical treatments abroad.

With a rapidly aging Western population and significant wealth among older generations, the sector is growing at an impressive 18% per year. The rise is further driven by increased awareness of available treatments and improved lifespans.

Danish Ahmed, CEO and co-founder of Healthtrip, stated: “Our recent expansion into the Middle East aligns with the region’s mission to advance health, wellness, longevity, and anti-aging experiences for global travelers. Treatments such as longevity and aesthetics are rapidly growing in demand in the region’s destinations, complementing its well-established medical offerings”.

To date, Healthtrip has served more than 65,000 clients from 38 countries via its cutting-edge AI-powered platform. The technology connects patients with healthcare providers based on factors such as treatment type, ratings, cost, and location. Additionally, the platform offers a range of destination services, such as hotel bookings, airport transfers, concierge services, and interpreter support.

Also Read: Google’s New AI Technology May Revolutionize Cancer Treatment

Healthtrip’s unique offering has quickly made it a dominant player in the global health tourism sector, along with support from several UAE-based venture capital firms. In the Middle East, the company has established partnerships with respected healthcare providers, including Saudi German Hospitals, Burjeel Group, American Hospital, Kings College Hospital, Zoya Wellness, and Kaya Skincare.

Along with its recent expansion, Healthtrip has also created THRIVE, a unique transformation program designed to rejuvenate the mind and body. THRIVE offers a residential experience focusing on physical therapy, mental wellness, and holistic health practices, appealing to individuals looking for a comprehensive lifestyle reset.

The post Healthtrip Expands Into Middle East To Boost Health Tourism appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Until now, developing protein molecules for medical purposes has been a time-consuming, expensive, and complex process. However, advancements in artificial intelligence have significantly improved the process, making it more efficient and accessible.

Recently, Google DeepMind researchers introduced a cutting-edge AI-powered model that can create protein binders targeting specific proteins. The groundbreaking development allows scientists to design custom protein molecules that specifically target only cancerous cells while minimizing harm to healthy ones. Hopefully, this will lead to more effective and less harmful treatments for cancer patients.

The newly developed AI model, known as AlphaProteo, also promises to be a game-changer in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases, including autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

This isn’t Google DeepMind’s first foray into using AI for protein research. In 2021, the company launched AlphaFold, another AI-powered system aimed at predicting the structure of proteins. AlphaProteo builds upon this foundation, further advancing AI’s role in medical research.

Also Read: Tumor-Fighting Nanobots Could Revolutionize Cancer Treatment

The system’s training involved large datasets from the Protein Data Bank and insights from Google’s previous AI research. By leveraging this wealth of data, AlphaProteo avoids the need for traditional, resource-intensive testing methods, saving both time and money.

One of the most significant achievements during AlphaProteo’s testing phase was the strength of the protein binders it produced. On average, these binders were ten times more effective than current designs. The research also included testing protein binders for various target molecules, including those related to diseases like COVID-19 and leukemia.

The post Google’s New AI Technology May Revolutionize Cancer Treatment appeared first on Tech Magazine.

The nanobots are crafted using a process known as DNA origami, which involves folding DNA molecules into precise shapes at an incredibly small scale. These microscopic robots use a hexagonal arrangement of peptides hidden within their structure. The lethal mechanism remains inactive until it encounters the acidic environment typically surrounding solid tumors, ensuring that healthy cells remain unharmed.

Professor Björn Högberg, from the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics at Karolinska Institutet and the study’s lead investigator, elaborates on the breakthrough: “The hexagonal nanopattern of peptides acts as a potent weapon. If administered directly as a drug, it could cause widespread damage by killing cells indiscriminately. To prevent this, we have ingeniously concealed the weapon inside a DNA-based nanostructure”.

The remarkable abilities of the nanobots lie in their ability to detect the difference in pH levels between healthy and cancerous tissues. The lethal peptides remain securely hidden in normal tissues, where the pH level is around 7.4. However, in the more acidic environment of cancerous tissues, where the pH drops to 6.5, the nanobots’ hidden weapon is triggered, leading to the destruction of cancer cells.

Also Read: Insilico Develops The World’s First Fully AI-Generated Drug

During preclinical experiments, these nanobots were injected into mice with breast cancer. The results were impressive, showing a 70% reduction in tumor growth in the mice treated with active nanobots compared to those given an inactive version. These promising findings pave the way for additional studies to evaluate the nanobots’ effectiveness in more advanced cancer models and identify potential side effects.

“We now need to test this approach in more complex cancer models that better simulate human disease,” explained Yang Wang, the study’s first author and a researcher at Karolinska Institutet’s Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics. “It’s also crucial to determine the method’s side effects before we can move on to human trials”.

Although still in the early stages, the technology marks a significant advance in the field of personalized cancer therapy. The researchers are hopeful about the future, with plans to further refine the nanobots by attaching specific proteins or peptides that could bind more accurately to particular cancer cells, thereby enhancing their precision and effectiveness.

The post Tumor-Fighting Nanobots Could Revolutionize Cancer Treatment appeared first on Tech Magazine.

“This AI drug is a major milestone for us and the industry as a whole,” Dr. Zhavoronkov explains. “We can use AI to create lifesaving treatments for new diseases using approaches we haven’t yet considered and do so much more rapidly and efficiently”.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by scarring of the lungs and has no known cure. Insilico’s AI drug aims to halt or even reverse the progression of IPF and is currently undergoing Phase 2 clinical trials in the US and China. The success of these trials will pave the way for more in-depth testing, bringing the drug closer to mass market approval.

Insilico’s groundbreaking research was recently published in Nature Biotechnology. It highlights how the company’s AI platform, Pharma.AI, is connecting the dots between fibrosis and aging to drive forward the discovery of a cure.

IPF treatment is just the beginning for Insilico. The company already has a roadmap consisting of over thirty AI-designed drugs, with seven already in clinical patient trials. These include treatments for inflammatory bowel disease, immuno-oncology targets, and even drugs developed using a method that targets a protein in cancers that can kill them without harming healthy cells.

Also Read: Personalized Supplement Company Bioniq Raises $15M In Funds

Dr Zhavoronkov’s ultimate goal is to leverage AI to unravel the complex processes involved in aging. “Our number one priority is to teach AI to understand the basic biology of aging, and I think we’ve succeeded in that process. Now, we need to demonstrate that we can utilize this understanding to cure diseases,” he says.

Insilico Medicine’s AI-driven drugs showcase the massive untapped potential of artificial intelligence in all aspects of healthcare. As the company continues to innovate, its work brings hope to patients around the world and demonstrates that the future of medicine is promising, thanks to the application of the latest technological breakthroughs.

The post Insilico Develops The World’s First Fully AI-Generated Drug appeared first on Tech Magazine.

The company is now valued at $75M and the fresh influx of funds will be used to further expand its global market share and continued innovation in the dietary supplements sector.

Bioniq entered the UAE in 2021, and has since expanded across the Gulf region. The company has partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism, along with Metabolic, a digital therapeutics company, and Al Borg Diagnostics, a leading provider of diagnostic services in Saudi Arabia.

“We’ve entered a new era in nutritional supplementation over the last six years, where it’s become clear that one-size-fits-all solutions are simply inefficient,” said Vadim Fedotov, co-founder and CEO of Bioniq. “Everyone’s health journey is unique. Customers need advanced, adaptable products that provide evolving support for personal health goals. Our AI-driven approach and extensive biochemical database allow us to create customized supplements that provide quantifiable results and cater to individuals’ specific needs”.

Over the last decade, Bioniq has developed a huge biochemical database, leveraging blood test data from clients spanning 5 continents. The AI-powered algorithm used by the company assesses each individual’s height, weight, age, lifestyle, and health goals to create tailor-made supplements that optimize health and address micronutrient imbalances.

Also Read: Advancing MENA Health Through AI Vascular Age Analysis

Bioniq’s supplements are “Swiss-made, pharmaceutical-grade and utilize precise micro-dosing to address bio-individual needs and deficiencies”. Each formula features a unique blend of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, amino acids and prebiotics delivered in granules. The supplements are designed to mimic the way the body assimilates food, thus maximizing bioavailability.

“Bioniq’s innovative approach to nutrition is based on the idea that everyone has different nutritional needs and deficiencies, and that generic multivitamins are not enough to address them. We are impressed by Bioniq’s vision and technology, and we believe that they are disrupting the supplement industry with their personalized and science-based approach. We are excited to support them as they grow and scale their business,” explained Shravin Mittal, CEO of Unbound.

The post Personalized Supplement Company Bioniq Raises $15M In Funds appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Noor Siddiqui, CEO of Orchid, hopes to “mitigate” unpleasant genetic surprises using genome sequencing technology to reveal a wealth of genetic information on which newborns will grow into healthy adults.

Until 2019, IVF specialists had access to under 1% of the human genome. The tests, called PGT-A and PGT-M, scanned a mere 1,000 data points in a genome comprising around 3 billion bases, offering a very limited dataset compared to the technology used by Orchid.

“Our chromosomes are like chapters in a book that make up the table of contents.” Explained Siddiqui. “[PGT-A and PGT-M tests] only examine the table of contents, whereas what Orchid is doing is like a spellcheck on the entire book.” Orchid’s genome sampling technology assesses “100 times the data, covering many more conditions.” In essence, an Orchid report covers three categories of common genetic issues: monogenic disorders, polygenic conditions, and de-novo mutations.

Also Read: Advancing MENA Health Through AI Vascular Age Analysis

Orchid’s technology raises many questions. Aside from the obvious ethical concerns, data privacy is the most obvious potential issue with the tests. Noor Siddiqui is keen to alleviate any concerns: “No data at Orchid is ever sold to any third parties. Parents are in complete control of their data. If they want to delete the data, we’re happy to delete it off of our servers. If they want to export the data, they can export the data. And if they want us to re-analyze the data, we can re-analyze the data”.

Compared to a lifetime of medical bills, gene therapy, and suffering, Orchid’s genome screening report has the potential to change the future lives of thousands of newborns worldwide.

The post Orchid Plans To Find Out What’s Wrong With You Before You’re Born appeared first on Tech Magazine.

While Samsung has yet to divulge detailed specs and features of the Galaxy Ring, it’s likely to feature an array of health and sleep monitoring functionalities, while boasting a battery life of up to nine days on a single charge.

As per a Galaxy Club report, there are currently eight confirmed variants of the Galaxy Ring: SM-Q500, SM-Q501, SM-Q502, SM-Q505, SM-Q506, SM-Q507, SM-Q508, and SM-Q509.

However, the mystery shrouding two absent model numbers persists, leaving speculation as to whether they signify additional sizes or if Samsung plans to unveil a later ninth variant of the ring, as previously hinted. There’s conjecture that these models may correspond to US ring sizes 5 and above, commencing with the SMQ500, with subsequent numbers potentially indicating larger ring sizes, possibly reaching up to size 13, aligning with model number SM-Q509.

Also Read: Adobe Reveals New AI Tools That Will Wow Photoshop Novices

Recent Korean reports have shed light on how Samsung’s Mobile eXperience division (MX) collaborated with the Home Appliance department to integrate Samsung Food with the Galaxy Ring: Tailored for daily activity tracking, the Galaxy Ring, when paired with Samsung Food and an intelligent Samsung refrigerator featuring AI vision, delivers personalized dietary guidance based on calorie intake and BMI.

Samsung is banking on the user-friendly interface and high durability of the ring to redefine the healthcare wearables landscape. Meanwhile, Apple is also making strides in the development of a smart ring, aimed at monitoring users’ health biometrics discreetly when worn on the finger. According to the Electronic Times report, Apple has been closely monitoring market interest in this more inconspicuous alternative to a traditional watch.

The post Samsung Galaxy Ring Wearable Will Launch In Eight Sizes appeared first on Tech Magazine.

Age-related diseases present a significant challenge globally — particularly in developed nations. Vascular aging, a key contributor to long-term disability and mortality among older adults, is closely linked to organ function decline and various age-related ailments. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of this process and developing early detection techniques could significantly extend and improve the lives of millions worldwide.

Vascular aging lacks universal markers, making early detection challenging. However, a common form of vascular aging, peripheral arterial disease, can be detected through thermography by analyzing asymmetries and local temperature changes.

A notable limitation of thermography lies in the capacity of human operators to observe, analyze, and interpret thermograms accurately. AI algorithms address this limitation by objectifying findings, reducing variability, and improving accuracy and reliability. Computer-aided thermography also promises faster throughput and centralized processing, enhancing diagnostic outcomes.

Dr. Fady Hannah-Shmouni, CEO and Founder of Healthspan Digital, and a Dubai-based endocrinologist and geneticist, said: “We’re thrilled to work with amplifAI and their industry-leading technology. Cardiovascular aging and longevity share common pathophysiological mechanisms. Every 20 seconds, a limb is amputated globally. Delaying cardiovascular aging increases the likelihood of longevity, and tools like ampifAI’s AI-powered algorithms can help with early detection and surveillance”.

Also Read: MENADNA And Nebula Genomics Enter New Partnership

Dr. Meshari F. Alwashmi, CEO of amplifAI Health, added: “We’re tremendously excited to work with Healthspan, and our diverse team has what it takes to expand our sphere of knowledge regarding the application of thermography and AI on vascular aging. We hope to extend lifespan for the benefit of all humanity”.

amplifAI Health and Healthspan Digital’s integration of AI with thermal hyperspectral imaging offers an unprecedented opportunity for groundbreaking advancements in the field of medical diagnosis, enabling enhanced monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic interventions to fight vascular aging.

The post Advancing MENA Health Through AI Vascular Age Analysis appeared first on Tech Magazine.