A new tool for ophthalmologists and optometrists is now available online, making it easier to monitor changes in the eye. EyeIC has released a cloud-based application that allows to easily compare fundus photographs taken at different times of the same patient, or across patients.

The unique feature of this online app is the MatchedFlicker interface which uses automated alternation flickering (AAF) technology to compare the fundus images. It enables better and faster comparison by using alternating superimposed images instead of side-by-side ones. Changes in the fundus photograph should be spotted more easily and also a lot faster. Users have to subscribe to be able to use the online MatchedFlicker technology, which has already been cleared as an FDA 510(k) class II device in the U.S. as well as having received approval in Europe.

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Kidney disease is extremely prevalent: it is estimated that 100,000 patients are awaiting kidney transplants in the U.S. alone, while an additional 400,000 require extensive dialysis. If engineering entire kidneys were made possible, it could solve the problem of organ shortage that exists throughout the world.

A group from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School made a critical step towards this goal. They have bioengineered an entire kidney and transplanted it into a lab rat. Most importantly, this artificially-generated kidney was able to produce urine and showed renal function in the rat that received the transplant.

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The second day of TEDMED 2013 began with the curator, Jay Walker, providing a recap of the first day, which set the stage for the first session of the day: “How Can Big Data Become Real Wisdom?” This session was the most technologically focused of the day.

This session started with computer scientist Larry Smarr, an advocate of personalized medicine, who noted that applying changes to the data we already collect can give us a new vision. For example, by applying data visualization techniques we can make the data “organ centric” in ways that clinicians traditionally do not expect.

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We took the chance to speak with the always incredible Richard Simmons, who offered advice to primary care physicians worldwide:

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Covidien is releasing a new line of cuffless Shiley neonatal and pediatric trachs, in an expanded range of tube sizes (down to a 2.5mm inner diameter) and with new features such as “a soft, clear flange that facilitates easier examination of the underlying skin for infection and eases trach-tube holder insertion.” More details from the product page:

Shiley™ tracheostomy solutions meet the latest safety standards, offering tubes that are manufactured with non-phthalate citric-based plasticizer materials

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