New app could harvest data from up to 20,000 iPhones

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Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

A study of ‘symptom variation’ in Parkinson’s will use newly available open software from Apple to gather data “more frequently and more accurately” from potentially thousands of participants – via their iPhones.

Parkinson ‘mPower’ is a patient-centred study sponsored by Sage Bionetworks, a nonprofit biomedical research organisation, using a Parkinson’s specific app developed in partnership with experts at two UK universities.

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The Imperial College London Innovation Fund, UK, has invested £205,000 to support UK-based tech company Charco Neurotech in its development of a non-invasive medical device for people with Parkinson’s disease. CUE1, a circular device that attaches to the sternum with medical adhesives, uses specialised vibration to help alleviate physical symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Initial user testing among people with the condition found that the device improved movement by an average of 16%, with testers reporting benefits for walking and fine motor tasks. Lucy Jung, CEO and co-founder of Charco Neurotech, said: “We believe that CUE1 has the potential to significantly improve [Parkinson’s disease] symptoms through its unique controlled vibration technology. We are excited to continue our work on the device and we look forward to the outcome of our proposed clinical trials.” Charco Neurotech will use the Imperial College investment to initiate a clinical trial and fund the device’s manufacture for…

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A new study from scientists at the University of Cambridge, UK, has brought researchers “a vital step” closer to discovering the origins of Parkinson’s disease. The research, published in the scientific journal ‘Nature Communications’, offered insights on the protein alpha-synuclein, which clumps together in the neurons of people with Parkinson’s. The study focused on how the protein functions in those without the condition and revealed that it sticks to the inner side of the plasma membrane of nerve cells, but not the outer membrane – an insight that could help in the search for a cure. Lead study author, Dr Giuliana Fusco, said: “This study could unlock more information about this debilitating neurodegenerative disorder that can leave people unable to walk and talk. If we want to cure Parkinson’s, first we need to understand the function of alpha-synuclein, a protein present in everyone’s brains.”

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New app could harvest data from up to 20,000 iPhones

News

Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Interviews

A musical exploring young onset Parkinson’s

Advances

New patient-centred study will harvest data via smartphones

Global update

“I hope it empowers people with Parkinson’s to be more open and honest”

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

Could a prostate drug lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

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New app could harvest data from up to 20,000 iPhones

News

Author: AdminPublished: 8 April 2015

Prep: Cook: Serves:

Last Month

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Share this story

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Interviews

A musical exploring young onset Parkinson’s

Advances

New patient-centred study will harvest data via smartphones

Global update

“I hope it empowers people with Parkinson’s to be more open and honest”

New wearable medical device for Parkinson’s disease to launch this year

New study brings scientists a “vital step” closer to understanding Parkinson’s disease

Could a prostate drug lower the risk of Parkinson’s disease?

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