Researchers Create The Building Blocks Of A Bionic Brain

Australian bio-engineers have mimicked the human brain with an electronic chip that uses light to create and modify memories.

How it works:

The chip is based on an ultra-thin material that changes electrical resistance in response to different wavelengths of light, enabling it to mimic the way that neurons work to store and delete information in a human brain.

Why it matters:

The technology is a step further towards artificial intelligence that can harness the brain’s full sophisticated functionality. Forming the early stages of a bionic brain – a brain-on-a-chip that can learn from its environment the same as a human brain does.

The research is also hoped to better understand the brain and how it’s affected by disorders that disrupt neural connections, like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Ask the expert:

Dr Sumeet Walia RMIT Universities MicroNano Research Team Leader:

“Our chip imitates the fundamental biology of nature’s best computer – the human brain.”

“Being able to store, delete and process information is critical for computing, and the brain does this extremely efficiently.”

“We’re able to simulate the brain’s neural approach simply by shining different colours onto our chip.”

New PBS Listings

How it works:

Under the PBS, treatment for diabetes, severe cystic acne, depression and lung cancer will be available to patients for just $40.30 per script, or $6.50 with a concession card.

Ask the Minister:

Greg Hunt, Minister for Health.

“Every medicine was recommended to be added to the PBS by the independent expert Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. By law the Federal Government cannot list a new medicine without a positive recommendation from the PBAC.”

“The four pillars of our long term national health plan are: guaranteeing Medicare and improving access to medicines, supporting our hospitals, prioritising mental health and preventive health and investing in health and medical research.”

The details:

The added drugs are:

• Pemetrexed®, a medicine for the treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, and mesothelioma will also have its authority level reduced to make it easier for doctors to prescribe. In 2018, over 950 patients accessed this medicine and could benefit from this change to the listing which will make it easier to prescribe. Without PBS subsidy, patients would pay up to $200 for each course of treatment.

• Oratane® (isotretinoin), will be listed to the PBS to help treat the 21,000 people per year with severe cystic acne, providing doctors with an alternative for patients who require a lower therapeutic dose. Without PBS subsidy, this medicine would cost patients $43 for each course of treatment.

• Phenelzine®, will be made available through the PBS for the treatment of patients with depression, when all other anti-depressant therapy has failed. In 2018, over 900 patients accessed alternative brands and are expected to benefit from this listing. Without PBS subsidy the medicine would cost patients around $800 a year.

World-First Treatment for Viral Conjunctivitis

Why it matters:

Also known as “pink eye” or “flu of the eye”, viral conjunctivitis is usually caused by the adenovirus and can last up to three weeks.

Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, which responds to antibiotic eye drops, there are currently no treatments available to reduce the signs, symptoms and contagious nature of viral conjunctivitis.

How it works:

The drug OKG-0301 works by reducing the ability of the adenovirus to reproduce itself.

Ask the expert:

 Associate Professor Mei-Ling Tay-Kearney, Principal investigator at the Lions Eye Institute.

“Acute adenoviral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious, widespread disease which frequently reoccurs and causes significant discomfort, and in some cases, permanent damage to a person’s vision.”

“To limit the spread of the infection within the family and the community, patients are typically instructed to avoid work, school or day care so finding new treatments which reduce its impact both on eye health and day-to-day living is important.”

Australian Tech on Show At The Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

The selected initiatives are:

The Better Visit’ app.

The app features a range of two-player games designed to enhance communication and facilitate positive social interactions between people with dementia and their visitors.

‘Customised Technology Solutions’.

The project works by asking participants what difficulties they were experiencing with their dementia, such as loneliness, boredom and problems remembering to perform everyday tasks. The technology was then customised and used to address these concerns, including introducing iPads, Smart lights, Google Home and GPS solutions.

Ask the expert:

Maree McCabe, CEO Dementia Australia.

“AAIC is the largest and most influential international meeting dedicated to dementia science.”

“I am thrilled Dementia Australia’s efforts to improve the lives of people living with dementia will be on display at such a prestigious international conference.”

“I hope the AAIC will be an opportunity for other international leaders in dementia research and services to not only learn from some of our ideas but that the conference will also provide Dementia Australia with the chance to learn from others.”

Government Website Wins Top Design Award

How it works:

The Good Designs Award was won by the Brisbane-based digital agency Liquid Interactive who led the design process.

Why it matters:

The website links online and phone mental health services, information and resources, and can connect people to online and phone mental health services appropriate for their individual needs.

Providers including the Butterfly Foundation, CanTeen, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline. There are also free or low-cost apps, online support communities, online courses, and phone services that are private and secure.

Ask the expert:

The Good Design Awards Jury

“It is great to see content that is specific to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander sensitivities and culture. Effective navigation tells a story of the content on offer in the site really well.”

“The Head to Health solution brings all this information together well and offers helpful suggestions in taking the next steps.”

The details:

Good Design Australia is an international design promotion organisation responsible for managing Australia’s annual Good Design Awards and other signature design events.

The award dates back to 1958, aim to promote the importance of design to business, industry, government and the general public.

To view the website visit www.headtohealth.gov.au

TGA Proposes Breast Implant Ban

How it works:

To monitor outcomes for patients with breast implants, the Government established the Australian Breast Device Registry and provides funding through Medicare for the treatment of complications resulting from breast implants.

Why it matters:

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) proposed regulatory action follows an extensive review of an apparent association of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and some textured breast implants.

Expert opinions estimate that the risk of breast implant-associated lymphoma is between 1-in-1,000 and 1-in-10,000.

The details:

For more information on the proposed regulatory action, including information on the specific textured implants, can be found at the TGA breast implant hub.

Leaked Documents Expose Health Insurers

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]According to the Guardian ‘the nation’s biggest health insurers illegally rejected the claims of thousands of sick or injured Australians over seven years’.

The leaked documents were corroborated by a government whistleblower who told The Guardian that he was “going public with this story because it doesn’t seem right that the authorities say nothing to the public after finding health insurers breaking the law”.

The Consumer Health Forum slammed the “disturbing” failures and called on the Government to conduct a review into the handling of pre-existing conditions disputes.

Consumer Health Forum CEO, Leanne Wells, said whatever the rights and wrongs are of individual cases, this story will further shake public confidence in health insurance.

“This issue goes to the accountability and transparency that should be central to the health insurance system and the disclosures should prompt the Government to examine the circumstances surrounding these breaches and provide a report to the public”, Ms Wells said.

Named in the scandal were a number of well-known private health insurers, including NIB, HCF and Bupa.

Responding to questions from The Guardian, ‘the Commonwealth Ombudsman said it was restricted in commenting on individual cases’. But stated that it was “satisfied that we dealt with the matters that were referred to us in accordance with our processes”.

The Consumer Health Forum believes this latest episode underscore the need for a strengthened role for the Commonwealth Ombudsman to monitor health insurance activities.

“Central to the value of health insurance for members is the need for them to have confidence and trust in their health insurance fund,” Ms Wells said.

The news will almost certainly fuel the public’s growing concerns over the value of private health insurance, as an increasing number of Australian families continue to downgrade or drop their coverage – placing greater strain on the public health system.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Milestone For Groundbreaking Non-Surgical Heart Device

Why it matters:

FMR occurs when the left atrium or left ventricle of the heart dilates, causing the mitral valve annulus to also dilate and prevent the mitral valve leaflets from properly closing.

The Carillon System is designed to treat the primary cause of FMR in patients and is the first and only device to demonstrate a reduction in regurgitant volume and favourable left ventricular remodelling.

How it works:

The implantable device consists of a proximal anchor and a distal anchor connected by a shaping ribbon.

Utilising the proximity of the coronary sinus to the mitral annular apparatus, the device is designed to reduce mitral annulus dilatation upon deployment, thereby reducing functional mitral regurgitation (FMR).

The implant is inserted through a catheter and hence requires no surgical procedure.

Ask the expert:

Gregory D. Casciaro, President and CEO of Cardiac Dimensions Inc.

“It was not long ago that surgical intervention was the final solution to treating FMR. We are now part of a new paradigm of minimally invasive care that can safely and effectively treat FMR in a wide range of patients. Because the Carillon System preserves mitral valve leaflet integrity, patients can be treated earlier in the highly progressive disease cycle.”

The details:

Cardiac Dimensions Inc is a leader in the development of innovative, minimally invasive treatments to address heart failure and related cardiovascular conditions.

For more information, visit www.cardiacdimensions.com.

Government Releases New Charter for Aged Care Rights and Quality Standards

Ask the expert:

Maree McCabe, Dementia Australia CEO:

“The Charter of Aged Care Rights states that people receiving Australian Government funded aged care have the right to safe and high-quality care and services, to be treated with dignity and respect, and to have their identity, culture, and diversity valued and supported.”
 
“The new standards place consumers at the centre of their care and focuses on giving people greater choice and flexibility, as well as making it easier for consumers, their families and carers to understand the regulation and what can be expected from a service.”

The details:

More information on the new Charter and Standards can be found at www.agedcare.govcms.gov.au/ensuring-quality

New App Developed to Assist in Medication Management

How it works:

Patients can simply go to the myMedPac website or download myMedPac from the app store to register.

Once a profile is setup, myMedPac works with partnered pharmacies and communicates between doctors and patients for medical history and any prescriptions required.

Ask the expert:

Joe Zhou Founder and CEO

“The service greatly improves medication compliance and makes life so much easier for both patients and carers.”

“So often patients are getting hospitalised not because they aren’t prescribed the right medication, but they miss doses and get medications mixed up.”

The details:

To find out more go to the myMedPac website at www.mymedpac.com.au