Industry Watcher’s Digest

Buzzworthy developments of the past few days.

• DiagnaMed (Toronto) has launched a generative AI “pal” designed to help people improve their brain health. The product, PalGPT.ai, gets to know its users, then sends friendly text messages offering brain-supportive tips, advice, support and more, the company explains. In addition, the virtual confidant offers “a private space for sharing thoughts, feelings, beliefs, experiences, memories and dreams.”
   
• Inovaare of Milpitas, Calif., is debuting a digital compliance assistant undergirded by generative AI. Called Usher, the conversational Q&A tool can function for providers, payers and any other healthcare orgs that could use a little help keeping up with regulatory requirements. Announcement.
   
• SameSky Health in North Hollywood, Calif., has injected natural language processing and machine learning into its platform for health-plan members of the company’s health-benefits clients. SameSky says the refresh will allow users to personalize the software’s interactivity along cultural lines and other preferences. Announcement here.
   
• GE HealthCare has been cleared by the FDA to market deep learning software that boosts the quality of images acquired with a PET/CT machine made by GE. Jan Makela, president & CEO of the company’s imaging division: “One of the main advantages of moving fully into the future of AI and deep learning is making state-of-the-art imaging accessible to more practices, across more care areas than ever before.” Details here.
   
• Researchers at the University of Technology Sydney in Australia have innovated a 3D-printed model that replicates a disc of the lumbar spine. Calling the invention “disc-on-a-chip,” the inventors say the high-tech contraption is initially aimed at clinical researchers. It can stand in for actual discs of the low back with simulated injuries, degenerative conditions and, as need dictates, general healthiness.
   
• HiDO Health (El Dorado Hills, Calif.) has introduced an AI platform for homecare providers to place in patients’ homes. The technology centers on watching for proper intake of prescription meds but can also help with remote monitoring in general. The company says such proactive care can cut hospitalizations by 80% and health costs by 67%.
   
• Two tech companies are working together to bring virtual reality to the elderly. Waya Health (Boone, N.C.) and Viva Vita (Washington, D.C.) say their partnership will open access to advanced VR experiences that will “revolutionize” daily healthcare regimens for seniors living at home and in community settings.