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.

Cereno Scientific AB’s positive top-line results from the phase IIa trial of histone deacetylase inhibitor CS1 in pulmonary arterial hypertension provide a “clear path forward” in the debilitating, fatal disease, the company said.

Joe Kiani’s reign at Masimo Corp. abruptly ended following a vote at the annual shareholders meeting on Sept. 19 that saw Kiani, Masimo’s founder and CEO, ousted from the board as part of a hard-fought battle with activist investor Politan Capital Management. Michelle Brennan, a Politan nominee and former Johnson & Johnson senior executive who won her board seat last year, was named interim CEO.

Researchers from UCLA’s Department of Cardiac Surgery filed for protection of a smart multistage peripherally inserted cannula with active fixation for temporary cardiopulmonary support which simultaneously drains both sides of the heart.

The U.S. FDA approved Apple Inc.’s Airpods Pro 2 as an over-the-counter assistive hearing device for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, making the ubiquitous devices the first assistive hearing technology to receive this designation.