Category Archives: Health

Registration Now Open for the 2023 North East Regional Urgent Care Conference

Atlantic City, NJ, August 24, 2023 — The North East Regional Urgent Care Association (NERUCA) has opened registration for its annual conference, designed for those practicing Urgent Care in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. The conference, scheduled to take place from November 6-7 at Harrah’s in Atlantic City, N.J., will bring together Urgent Care professionals, industry leaders, and experts from across the Northeastern U.S.

The theme of this year’s NERUCA conference is Raising the Bar, which will be exemplified in the comprehensive schedule of educational sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, and topics related to the future of Urgent Care in the region. With the ability to choose a path based on their role, attendees can expect an enriching experience designed to provide education for their specific needs.

Given the continuous evolution of Urgent Care, the conference provides an ideal platform for UC leaders and providers to learn about and discuss emerging trends and innovative practices from experts who cover a wide range of topics. In addition to the educational sessions, attendees will have ample opportunities to network with peers, engage in lively discussions, and explore the Exhibit Hall, featuring the latest products and services in the Urgent Care industry.

“We are excited to open registration for our conference,” NERUCA President Shaun Ginter said. “This conference presents a unique opportunity for Urgent Care professionals in the Northeast to truly immerse themselves and learn from one another, for the betterment of their practice and our industry at large.”

Registration is open at neruca.org/neruca-2023-conference/. For sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, please contact Jackie Stasch at

MPFI’s Wang Lab Awarded $1M Grant to Study Mechanism Behind Memory Decline in Alzheimer’s

Jupiter, FL, August 24, 2023 — Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience will be able to expand their research program to investigate the neural circuits underlying Alzheimer’s disease with new support. The National Institute on Aging of the NIH has awarded Dr. Yingxue Wang $1,038,819 over three years as part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative Fund. The research will shed new light on how the brain forms new memories and maintains them over time and what can lead to memory decline during Alzheimer’s Disease.

Turning our daily experiences into memories involves a brain region called the hippocampus. Among the many signals the hippocampus receives, cholinergic inputs from the basal forebrain are crucial for learning and memory. As we age, cholinergic inputs become less effective at generating a neuronal response and deteriorate in patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. While scientists understand that cholinergic function is an integral part of memory formation, exactly how it impacts the hippocampal circuits remains largely unknown.

“We are excited and honored to receive this generous funding, which will significantly impact our ability to answer important questions about how we make and maintain memories,” said Dr. Wang. “This grant not only advances our research but symbolizes the collective hope that drives us to study this devastating condition. My lab and I are profoundly grateful for this trust and support.”

As part of this project, Dr. Wang will collaborate with Dr. Alex Roxin of the Centre de Recerca Matematica, Spain, who will be funded separately by the Spanish Research Agency, AEI.

Dr. Wang joined MPFI in 2018 and leads the Neuronal Mechanisms of Episodic Memory research group. Before that, she was a research scientist at the Janelia Research Campus of Howard Hughes Medical Institute, where she studied the hippocampal neuronal activities that represent memory traces.

Trained as an electrical engineer, Dr. Wang completed her graduate study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ). During her Ph.D. training, she designed brain-inspired computational systems on silicon chips. These fully reconfigurable systems incorporated electronic circuits of a network of neurons with dendrites and synapses. Using these systems as simulation tools, she also investigated the computational principles native to a neuron with active dendrites.

Principals of engineering greatly inform Dr. Wang’s work at MPFI, which combines experimental techniques with computational modeling, enabling the Wang lab to accelerate the analysis of big data, and build models to better explain the experimental findings.

“When it comes to the brain there are so many questions remaining, and the answers cannot come fast enough. Adding this support from the NIH to MPFI’s already exceptional research resources will allow us to make greater progress toward understanding the role of these inputs in memory formation and stability,” she said.

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01AG085899. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Altucell Advances First-Ever Regulatory-Approved Human Islet Cell Encapsulation Therapy for Type 1 Diabetes

Deer Park, NY, August 23, 2023 — Altucell Therapeutics is making monumental advancements in the realm of diabetes care. The company remains at the forefront of groundbreaking research and it is currently engaged in human pilot studies with encapsulated human pancreatic islet transplantation for patients affected by type 1 diabetes mellitus. Altucell utilizes its signature platform encapsulation technology (AltuCaps), with the goal of negating the need for immunosuppressants.

The company, using its cutting-edge encapsulation technology, AltuCaps, aims to replace traditional treatments and avoid the need for immunosuppressants. Additionally, they have a full pipeline of cell lines designed to address major diseases more effectively than current interventions.

This advancement is just one of many that Altucell has to offer. Born from the CEO’s personal journey – after his son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes – Altucell has swiftly transformed into a biotech titan, specializing in cell-based therapies. Their unwavering mission is to provide cures for diabetes and other autoimmune conditions using next-generation cell-based biologics.

The company’s commitment to revolutionizing healthcare is showcased in its extensive pipeline of cell lines, all designed to tackle major diseases more efficiently than existing interventions. As a testament to their innovation, Altucell is being recognized as a company on the rise, demonstrating a significant growth trend and recently received an attractive valuation report.

“Altucell is not merely a company; it embodies a movement towards a brighter, healthier future. Our dedication, combined with advanced technologies, fuels our hope to enact real change in the lives of those affected by autoimmune conditions, especially type 1 diabetes,” remarked the CEO of Altucell Therapeutics.

3M India enables Solar-Powered Healthcare Infrastructure for Last-Mile Access to rural Medical Services

Pune, India – August 19th, 2023 – 3M India, a global science company, continues to drive sustainable solutions and community empowerment with the launch of its solar-powered healthcare infrastructure programme. In partnership with Selco India and Selco Foundation, 3M India has successfully installed rooftop solar panel units at 7 Primary Health Centers (PHCs) in seven villages in the Shirur Taluk region, including Ranjangaon, home to 3M India’s flagship plant. This was Phase 1 of the project which was handed over to the Government in December 2022.

At the request of the local health administration, 3M extended further investment in 2023 to expand the solar unit’s installation to cover 39 sub centres within the Taluk to ensure reliable power for last mile access to essential healthcare services. These Sub-centers being the initial point of contact for local communities seeking medical assistance, have faced limitations due to lack of reliable electrical connection. The integration of sustainable solar power will empower the healthcare administration to expand the range of healthcare services offered at the sub-center level, effectively meeting the needs of 350,000 residents that were previously unmet.

Prior to this much-needed intervention, the region experienced recurrent power outages and fluctuations, which compromised timely healthcare delivery. The solar panel system has been designed to address critical requirements such as maintaining the vaccine cold chain, maternity labor rooms, and enhancing overall service delivery capabilities. Additionally, the system will now be able to respond effectively to emergency situations, including accidents and pregnancies.

Aligned with its commitment to renewable energy and sustainable progress, 3M India’s Solar-Powered Healthcare Infrastructure Programme has significantly impacted local healthcare delivery. The impact of Solar-Powered Healthcare Infrastructure Program will also have a positive impact on environment and sustainability, with over 140 kWp capacity installed, resulting in the annual reduction of 120 metric tons of CO2 emissions.

“Through this initiative, 3M India envisions a future where healthcare accessibility and sustainability coexist harmoniously. By ensuring reliable power through solar energy, we are enabling PHCs and sub-centers to deliver timely medical services to those who need it most. Globally 3M tackles some of the most pressing opportunities in climate change, such as decarbonization, renewable energy, electrification, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and sustainable infrastructure. In this context, this solar power programme has far-reaching implications, not only in healthcare access but also in environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions and contributing to a healthier, greener future”, emphasized Ramesh Ramadurai, MD, of 3M India.

Bloomberg’s global crusade against Safer Nicotine Alternatives is impacting LMICs significantly

Bengaluru 18th July 2023 : A total of INR 55,449 crore in foreign funding has been received by Indian NGOs in the past three years. While many NGO are important to support the government’s efforts towards public good, it is not a hidden fact that many work with a larger political agenda. These NGOs are guided by both domestic and international forces, which include the donor agencies and their think-tanks to push for a policy agenda in LMICs that may not be suitable for the masses.

For instance, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg has been running multi-million-dollar campaigns to try to shape the lives of ordinary consumers. What began as a campaign on Big Gulps in New York City has ballooned into a massively funded operation that uses grants and NGO funding on many tobacco issues, mostly on outlawing safer alternatives.

His efforts have quickly scaled to the level of the World Health Organization, including funding US anti-tobacco groups in the millions to even go so far to completely outlaw nicotine alternatives in developing countries across Latin America, Asia, and more. While nations on these continents typically have larger smoking populations than in the US and Europe, they have thus far been deprived of the life-saving nicotine alternatives that would serve as a less harmful switch away from traditional smoking.

In the name of “halting tobacco,” Bloomberg and the organizations he funds have actively sought to stop the tobacco harm reduction movement by miscasting certain alternatives as “just as bad” as combustible tobacco. Even though health agencies in nations such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Sweden, Japan and even Canada actively recommend some form of alternatives to get smokers to quit, this option is kept off the table in developing nations where Bloomberg built an influence.

In February of this year, Bloomberg’s commitment to severely restrict harm reduction increased significantly to nearly $420 million, hoping to drive a larger global campaign in 110 countries around the world to cut off citizens from nicotine alternatives that are less harmful. Over $280 million of that money will focus on developing countries, offering grants to political groups, health agencies, and politicians to implement a zero-tolerance nicotine agenda.

Bloomberg’s approach, and by extension the dozens of health and anti-tobacco groups he funds, are not in denial of the real scientific evidence on tobacco harm reduction. Rather than endorse the market-derived alternatives that have been successful in getting adult smokers to quit. They have created a false equivalence between the safer alternatives and a cigarette.

That not only harms public health but continues to fester a narrative of misinformation that has captured many public health researchers and government agencies. We know this all too well from our cross-national survey of health practitioners in Europe, in which many doctors were simply unaware of the growing category of less harmful nicotine alternatives.

Introducing Cultured Health: Empowering Wellness Through Cultural Connection

Boston, MA, August 17, 2023 –Cultured Health, formerly known as Culturd, is proud to announce its transformative evolution from an innovative platform to a groundbreaking movement in the health and wellness industry. Founded by husband-and-wife team Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, RDN, and Michael Haynes, Cultured Health was inspired by their profound belief in the power of nutrition and cultural connections to drive positive health outcomes.

The platform’s initial mission, to match individuals with registered dietitians who understand their unique cultural backgrounds, laid the foundation for a revolutionary approach to access to medical nutrition therapy. Now, as Cultured Health, the company is taking its mission to new heights, expanding its vision beyond the app to build a diverse, health-focused community of end users and expert dietitians with cultural affiliations from every corner of the globe. This inclusive approach aims to bridge the gap in healthcare disparities and contribute to the fight against lifestyle- and diet-related diseases that are on the rise.

Witnessing firsthand the cultural disconnect between nutrition professionals and their clients, registered dietitian Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, and her husband, Michael Haynes, have rebuilt Cultured Health into a revolutionary movement. Through the app, users are assessed and matched with registered dietitians who accommodate their dietary needs and embrace their cultural practices, native foods and spices, language, religious influences, and traditional food preparations. This approach ensures that users receive relevant and feasible nutritional advice, considering their cultural heritage and food choices.

“Cultured Health is more than just an app; it is a global initiative to foster better health through cultural understanding and inclusivity,” said Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes. “Our vision is to empower individuals from diverse communities to achieve their wellness goals while celebrating their cultural identities.”

Cultured Health aims to partner with community organizations and corporate entities to drive impactful change in the health and wellness industry. Cultured Health seeks to break down barriers and address healthcare disparities that disproportionately affect underserved communities by collaborating with organizations that share their vision.

“We believe that when health experts and patients share cultural connections, it opens up new channels for communication and trust,” added Michael Haynes. “Through our platform, programs, and partnerships, we want to create a compassionate, supportive, and culturally sensitive environment that fosters positive health outcomes for everyone.”

The company’s name change to Cultured Health reflects its expanded mission and commitment to promoting positive and personalized nutritional journeys. The platform’s growth and evolution emphasize its dedication to making nutrition and health more accessible to diverse communities worldwide.

Neurobit Launches Neurobit HUB

New York, NY, August 16, 2023 — Neurobit, a global leader in artificial intelligence-driven sleep health analytics, announced the launch of Neurobit HUB, a comprehensive web-based tool designed to revolutionize the clinical trial process in sleep and population health research. Developed from Neurobit’s extensive experience in conducting clinical trials and understanding the associated challenges, this platform is intended to optimize sleep studies, accelerate scientific breakthroughs, and make the entire clinical trial process more efficient.

Leveraging Neurobit’s vast expertise in sleep analytics, Neurobit HUB integrates an advanced analytical capability that can derive 40 specific sleep biomarkers from physiological data. This unique feature is strategically aligned with the needs of clinical researchers, academics, and technicians, and opens new pathways for novel biomarkers and drug discovery among others. Through the fusion of over 20 health AI modules and clinically validated home-based devices, Neurobit HUB not only enhances the efficiency of the entire clinical trial process but also adds a novel dimension to sleep and population health research.

“The power of data in accelerating breakthroughs in sleep science cannot be overstated,” says Dr. Amiya Patanaik, Co-founder of Neurobit. “With Neurobit HUB, we are going beyond traditional data management by offering a tool specifically tailored to streamline the entire clinical trial process. This solution was born out of our own experiences with the trials and the recognized need to innovate in this critical area.”

Neurobit HUB introduces a paradigm shift in sleep and population health research, integrating comprehensive functionalities to enable:

Seamless Clinical Trial Integration: Neurobit HUB offers end-to-end support for the clinical trial process, consolidating and harmonizing data for holistic analysis, making trial management more transparent and effective.

Powerful and Advanced Analytics: The tool’s advanced statistical analysis and visualization capabilities are aligned with Neurobit’s pioneering work, which includes leveraging 40 biomarkers, offering researchers unparalleled insights.

Customizable Study Design:With Neurobit HUB, researchers can tailor research protocols with customizable study parameters and workflows, enhancing efficiency and flexibility in clinical trials.

Collaborative Research:The platform supports secure data sharing and collaboration to foster a cooperative research environment.

Regulatory Compliance:Neurobit HUB’s design ensures strict adherence to privacy regulations and data security standards, making it a reliable and trustworthy tool for research institutions engaging in clinical trials.

“Neurobit HUB is not just a data management tool; it’s a robust solution designed to drive discoveries in sleep and population health research, with a distinct focus on streamlining and innovating the clinical trial process,” says Kishan, Co-founder of Neurobit. “Our unique understanding of the challenges in clinical trials led to the creation of this tool, and we believe it will be instrumental in accelerating progress in the field.”

Radiation Oncologist Jason Naziri, MD Joins New York Cancer & Blood Specialists

Forest Hills, NY, August 16, 2023 : New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), one of the nation’s leading oncology practices, is proud to announce the addition of Radiation Oncologist Jason Naziri, MD. Dr. Naziri will practice at 92-37 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills, NY 11375.

“We are proud to have Dr. Naziri on our team of radiation oncologists,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO of NYCBS. “His dedication to patient-centered care, expertise in targeted radiation therapy, and commitment to advancing cancer treatment align perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional care to our patients.”

Dr. Naziri is passionate about providing patient-centered cancer care through cutting-edge technology and expertise in targeted radiation therapy. He specializes in Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung Cancer, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)/Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy (SABR), and Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS).

“Patient-centered care has always been at the forefront of my approach to treatment,” Dr. Naziri said. “Cancer is complex, and I strive to empower each patient to make a decision that best suits their circumstance. I am mindful of multiple cultures, backgrounds, and worldviews when counseling my patients. Delivering individualized care at one of the best cancer centers in New York is a true honor.”

Dr. Naziri earned his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine. He completed an Internal Medicine Internship at Flushing Hospital Medical Center and Radiation Oncology Residency at Baylor Scott & White Health, where he served as Chief Resident.

EndoGlow Revolutionizes Fluorescence-Guided Minimally Invasive Surgery with the GreenEgg™ Fluorescent Manipulator

Rochester, NY, August 16, 2023– EndoGlow, a pioneering medical technology company, proudly announces the launch of its breakthrough product, the GreenEgg™ fluorescent manipulator. Designed to revolutionize fluorescence-guided minimally invasive surgeries, the GreenEgg™ brings a new level of capability and innovation to the field of surgical visualization and manipulation.

With its innovative Tissue Reveal Technology, the GreenEgg™ represents the only fluorescent manipulator on the market. The GreenEgg™ facilitates the manipulation and visualization of tissues during laparoscopic and robotic surgeries that incorporate near-infrared imaging. By providing fluorescent transillumination, the GreenEgg™ unlocks unparalleled insights for surgeons, enhancing their capabilities in gynecological, urological, and colorectal surgeries.

Traditionally, fluorescent-guided surgeries have been dependent on injectable dyes like ICG. Challenging the conventional notion that surgical fluorescence requires injections, EndoGlow’s Tissue Reveal Technology distinctively integrates fluorescence directly into surgical instruments. Tissue Reveal Technology provides injection-free fluorescence and does not require external power sources or batteries. By breaking free from the constraints of ICG, this innovation expands the types of procedures where fluorescence can be implemented and broadens the scope of how fluorescence can be used.

Dr. Paula Doyle, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and founder of EndoGlow, shared her excitement, stating, “The GreenEgg™ is a testament to our commitment to advancing medical technology. With its embedded fluorescence, aka Tissue Reveal Technology, we are expanding how surgeons utilize fluorescence-guided procedures. There are approximately 4.7 million global robotic and laparoscopic procedures annually that will benefit from the use of the GreenEgg™.”

As the global medical community looks toward the future of surgery, the GreenEgg™ represents a pivotal step forward for minimally invasive surgeries, enhancing the visualization of anatomical borders and tissue pathology. For more information about the GreenEgg™ and its transformative capabilities, please visit www.endoglow.com.