The lung and thrombosis may play a key role in cancer and metastasis progression, according to a collaborative study led by Cornell University scientists. In the nonmetastatic lung microenvironment of several cancer types, the development of a prothrombosis niche promotes metastasis formation through the release of small extracellular vesicles loaded with an integrin protein.

Masimo Corp. selected Catherine (Katie) Szyman, an industry leader with deep med-tech roots, to guide the company as it seeks to rebuild its reputation and revenues following a gritty two-year battle for control. Current CEO Michelle Brennan will serve as chairman of the Masimo board. Brennan stepped up to lead Masimo after founder and former CEO Joe Kiani resigned following a shareholder vote that ousted him from his position of board chair as part of a protracted proxy battle between Kiani and Politan Capital Management LP.

Researchers have developed a novel point of care (POC) diagnostic that can test for multiple respiratory viral infections simultaneously, including for the flu and COVID-19. The POC diagnostic tool leverages a novel, non-enzymatic signal amplification method, according to study lead Eunjung Kim, professor at Incheon National University (INU), whose team published the findings in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical online November 2024.

Europlaz Technologies Ltd. has developed a new neonatal flow sensor that could help improve neonatal care and save the lives of babies born prematurely. The company created an integrated ‘sidestream’ carbon dioxide (CO2) sampling port, which when added to the side of its existing neonatal flow sensor will enable clinicians to monitor CO2 being exhaled from the baby’s lungs to better inform care.

Although it does not generally infect humans, a single mutation of the H5N1 virus in the highly pathogenic avian and bovine clade 2.3.4.4b could overcome this barrier and possibly trigger a pandemic. Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have warned of this possibility after studying the three-dimensional structure of the viral hemagglutinin and seeing how a change in one amino acid would make it more suitable for the human cell receptor. The researchers stress the need to monitor new mutations of this virus in order to act quickly in case the global jump to our species occurs.

An artificial intelligence-powered contactless monitoring device developed by Albus Health Ltd. can detect signs of asthma attacks in children up to five days before they occur.

Movano Inc., dba Movano Health, added some clinical-grade glitz to its Evie ring with a U.S. FDA clearance for the built-in pulse oximeter. Movan’s stock shot up from an all-time low within minutes of the announcement on Dec. 2, as the clearance breathes new life into Movano’s plans to position the ring as a medical device.

An international consortium of thousands of scientists is creating the Human Cell Atlas, a three-dimensional map of all the cells in the body. The goal is to understand all the cells that make up human tissues, organs and systems, which will enable multiple medical applications. This collection of cell maps is openly available for navigation at single-cell resolution, identified through omics analyses that reveal the tridimensional distribution of each cell.

Qnovia Inc. received U.S. FDA clearance to start its clinical trial for Respirx, a nicotine inhaler designed as a replacement therapy for smoking.

Roche AG’s new test using its temperature-activated generation of signal technology is the next step in PCR evolution, Igor Kozlov, head of Reagent Research and Design at Roche Diagnostics Solutions, told BioWorld. The Cobas Respiratory flex test can detect up to 12 of the most common respiratory viruses using a single PCR test.