Despite having lower smoking habits than other groups in the U.S., Black Americans are more likely to develop lung cancer, and their survival rates are significantly worse. What explains this disparity? Scientists at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have analyzed the genetics of their African ancestry in search of risk genes related to the disease and tobacco use. The results reveal new risk factors and confirm the presence of genetic variants that may contribute to the greater impact of lung cancer in this population.

Aclarion Inc.'s Nociscan, an AI-augmented platform that leverages MR spectroscopy to noninvasively identify the discs causing low-back pain, enables precise targeting of surgical intervention, resulting in 97% success. That’s roughly double the rate of 48% to 54% seen in conventional procedures for discogenic lower back pain, Aclarion CEO Brent Ness told BioWorld.

Medtronic plc expects its Hugo robotic-assisted surgery system to be a key growth driver, especially when it receives U.S. FDA approval. Already approved for use in Europe, Medtronic recently received CE mark for the Ligasure technology to be used with the Hugo RAS system, expanding its capabilities for gynecologic, general and urologic procedures, across the region.

The U.S. FDA has cleared Artrya Ltd.’s 510(k) for its Salix coronary plaque (SCP) module that is a bolt-on module to the company’s Salix coronary anatomy platform.

The U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended that physicians in the U.K. use the least expensive, clinically appropriate TAVR device when possible, concluding a pricing review that commenced roughly a year ago.