A new study by Mayo Clinic and Nference Inc. researchers suggests that prior childhood and adult vaccinations for illnesses such as polio, measles and flu may provide protection against COVID-19 infection. The study, which analyzed patient data using Nference artificial intelligence (AI) software, underscores the critical role immunizations play in curbing the spread of diseases and preventing future pandemics. “What we discovered represents compelling evidence that vaccinations are a critical element in prevention of disease, even diseases one doesn’t anticipate,” said Venky Soundararajan, co-founder and chief scientific officer of the Cambridge, Mass.-based company.

Big name investors think January AI Inc. is onto something sweet with its breakthrough diabetes management technology. Investors added $8.8 million to the company's finances, bringing its total capital raised to date to $21 million. Felicis Ventures, which previously invested in Fitbit and Modern Health, joined Hand Capital and Marc Benioff in the latest round.

HONG KONG – Vuno Inc. saw its shares soar on their first day of trading on the Kosdaq board with a $33.4 million IPO. The shares closed at ₩32,150 (US$28.89) on Feb. 26. Vuno had priced the 1.8 million new shares on offer at ₩21,000, exceeding its desired range of ₩15,000 to ₩19,500 and raising ₩37.8 billion, or $33.4 million, to boot.

Berlin – Fresenius SE & Co. KGaA reported that its global division, Fresenius Medical Care, and its Frenova Renal Research division have enrolled the first subjects in its new initiative to develop the largest genomic registry in the world to focus on kidney disease. At the same time, the German firm also announced that Ali Gharavi, chief of the division of nephrology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, will lead the project and provide scientific guidance as principal investigator.

Last year, artificial intelligence (AI)-focused Caption Health Inc. won the U.S. FDA’s nod for software that guides untrained clinicians step-by-step in providing a cardiac ultrasound exam, a process normally performed by a highly skilled specialist. Now, the Brisbane, Calif.-based company has published data showing nurses without prior ultrasound experience who used Caption Guidance software captured ultrasound images of diagnostic quality to assess known cardiac conditions.

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have implanted brain electrodes in a patient who suffered a subcortical ischemic stroke more than a year ago to help them overcome abnormal muscle tone and control a robotic arm brace. Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms interpret neuronal signals recorded by the electrodes into movement of the brace.

HONG KONG – Rsip Vision Ltd. have developed a new coronary artery segmentation tool based on deep learning technology that should allow for faster 3D models of coronary artery anatomy and facilitate precise measurements of artery length and diameter.

An artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm developed by Geisinger researchers that uses echocardiogram videos predicted all-cause mortality at one year more accurately than three out of four expert cardiologists and other predictors commonly used in clinical practice, a study in Nature Biomedical Engineering demonstrated.

Patient-centered predictive health company Sema4 said Wednesday it has inked a merger agreement with CM Life Sciences, a special purpose acquisition company led by Casdin Capital and Corvex Management. Upon closing, CM Life Sciences will be renamed and its common stock listed on the Nasdaq global market under a name and ticker symbol yet to be announced.

Theator Ltd., the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered surgical intelligence platform, has raised $15.5 million in a series A financing led by Insight Partners. The funds will be used to scale commercial operations and partnerships with U.S. providers, grow the company’s R&D team and secure its footprint in the field of AI-driven surgical planning, intraoperative support, and review. New investor Blumberg Capital also participated in the round, along with all existing investors including Nfx, Stageone Ventures, Kdt Ventures and Iangels.