It's great when technology helps doctors treat people. It's even better when it reduces the risk of disease and even becomes a part of our daily lives, forming healthy habits.
This year, Fast Company has traditionally held its Next Big Things in Tech Awards , which celebrate innovations shaping the future of various industries. The list features companies from two categories: "health" and "wellness and fitness."
Winners in the category: "health"
Activ Surgical
Makes operations safer with augmented reality.
ActivSurgical has developed the ActivSight imaging module, which new zealand number data visualizes real-time blood flow information using augmented reality, helping to reduce errors during laparoscopic surgeries. The tool is currently being tested in 13 hospital networks in the US and Europe.
Levels
Levels offers a tool for continuous blood glucose monitoring (commonly used by people with diabetes). The Levels platform then converts the collected data into user-friendly information about their metabolic health.
The company's goal is to help people independently adjust their lifestyle to prevent chronic diseases.
Mammoth Biosciences
Innovates in CRISPR genome editing technology.
Mammoth Biosciences is developing ultra-small enzymes that are about one-third the size of the most common CRISPR enzyme. The company says such enzymes are more suitable for targeted therapies to eliminate DNA mutations in certain diseases.
Molli Surgical
Increases the accuracy of breast tumor removal.
To make it easier for the surgeon to work with the tumor, it is marked before removal. This is usually done using wire or radioactive seed implants.
Molli Surgical has developed a less invasive method – a 3.2 mm marker that is inserted into the tumor and detected using a special wand and tablet. This makes it easier to localize the tumor and allows for ultra-precise removal. The technology has received FDA approval.
In the "health" category, it is also worth mentioning:
Cardio Diagnostics – is developing a clinical test that can detect coronary heart disease before a patient has a heart attack.
MedRhythms – helps stroke survivors regain the ability to walk.
Net Health – creates a platform that analyzes wounds and suggests ways to treat them.
Winners in the category: "wellness and fitness"
Hammerhead
Allows cyclists to see the road surface.