Mental health
A deep learning model achieved up to 98 per cent accuracy in distinguishing autistic from neurotypical participants. The artificial intelligence system analyses resting-state fMRI scans – brain imaging that tracks blood-oxygen changes – and produces maps showing which brain regions shaped its decisions. Researchers from the University of Plymouth tested the model on data from [...]
The Royal College of Psychiatrists says large trials suggest ketamine-based drugs may ease depression symptoms. Experts have backed the use of ketamine in depression treatment, while stressing that more evidence is needed before other psychedelics can be considered safe. The Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych) issued a position statement highlighting ketamine, saying it is "the [...]
Non-invasive electrical brain stimulation improved mood in depression patients after six days in a recent study, with only mild or no side effects reported. The treatment, called high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS), uses electrodes on the scalp to deliver low electrical currents to targeted brain areas. HD-tDCS is a more precise form of transcranial [...]
Chatbot-linked suicides should act as a warning about the risks of creating super-intelligent AI systems, an AI safety expert has said. Nate Soares, co-author with Eliezer Yudkowsky of the book If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies, pointed to the case of US teenager Adam Raine as evidence of the dangers in controlling artificial intelligence. Raine [...]
Eight entrepreneurs have been chosen to develop health innovation ventures in Liverpool through Citizen First LCR, a new scheme supporting so-called hidden entrepreneurs. Projects include hospital robots, AI-guided sleep support and a mobile hair salon. The programme is the first time Public Life’s Citizen Incubator model has been brought to Liverpool, as part of the [...]
A single LSD dose eased anxiety and depression symptoms for up to 12 weeks in patients with generalised anxiety disorder, new research shows. The study involved 198 adults with generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), a form of anxiety that affects about one in 10 people over the course of a year. GAD involves persistent, excessive worry [...]
Neurovalens, a Belfast-based neurotech company, has raised £6m (€6.95m) to support its commercial expansion in the US and other global markets. The funds will be used to boost sales of its current medical devices and pursue additional approvals from US regulators. Its technology delivers mild electrical stimulation to targeted parts of the brain and nervous [...]
A new study has revealed how a key serotonin receptor works, offering clues for developing faster, more targeted treatments for mental health conditions. Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai reported new findings on the 5-HT1A receptor – a key drug target for antidepressants and psychedelics – that help explain its molecular [...]
Earzz is a British startup behind a Health Tech World Award-winning monitoring technology aiming to advance safety, independence and care outcomes. The company was founded by CEO Pradyumna Thiruvenkatanathan who has been combining acoustic engineering and AI for around 20 years. Thiruvenkatanathan’s innovations include a gravity sensor and a tool that enables BP to ‘listen’ [...]
Dr Julian, the UK’s highest-rated digital mental health platform, has launched a cost effective, digital ADHD Pre-Screen Consultation service to help employers, occupational health teams and NHS partners fast-track access into specialist services for individuals showing signs of ADHD. The new service offers affordable, specialist-led consultations within days, significantly reducing the wait associated with traditional [...]
